Infrastructure Malta (IM) has prepared a work plan with the local councils for residential roads, through which approximately 60km worth of residential road-building projects will be implemented per year.
The agency is in consultation with the 54 local councils in Malta in order to draw up its work plan for the next three years, for the continuation of the implementation of the national plan to improve the quality of residential roads across the country.
This was announced by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Aaron Farrugia and by Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli during a business breakfast organized by Infrastructure Malta together with local councils.
Minister Farrugia spoke about the importance of good quality and safe roads for people, but also encouraging active mobility and alternative means of transport. He also explained the plan by the overnment to invest €35 million which will strengthen the investment in active mobility infrastructure by implementing elements of ‘cycling infrastructure’ and incorporating infrastructure that complements the use of public transport.
“It is more important than ever that we plan together, carry out what we plan on time, and above all, create a better environment around the projects we carry out. We believe that in this way, we can make more of a difference and lead to more change that people would like to see: a change for the better that Government has committed to bring about to our towns and villages,” stated Farrugia.
Minister Farrugia also announced that work is being done by Transport Malta to put into effect a system through which any roadworks by government entities and local councils must be marked with a sign that shows all the details of these works including the responsible entity, the deadlines of the project and how long inconvenience will last. This will ensure a degree of transparency to residents and commuters.
Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli stated that “Local councils should always be included in consultations with regards to projects in localities, as they are the most knowledgeable when it comes to the needs of localities and their residents.” She continued by explaining that this consultation between IM and local councils should result in a more effective and efficient implementation process to improve residential streets in Maltese localities.
IM asked the local councils to update the lists of residential roads that are a priority for their locality in order to be rebuilt between 2023 and 2025. For each year, the agency will be allocating to them an amount of road metering in the boundaries administered by them to carry out works. The number of roads is calculated according to the size of the boundary and the population of each town or village.
The local councils were asked to send their proposals by November 15 so that then, in agreement with them, the agency draws up a schedule of the residential roads to be rebuilt in the next three years. After the list of priorities of the Local Councils has been established, IM will discuss with the respective entities that have underground services infrastructure so that all the work required for each road is planned so that it can be done in one project.
Local councils that submit proposals to reduce the metering of existing roads by creating spaces for active mobility will benefit more as this area is also prepared by IM. These spaces of active mobility must be open spaces separated, or partially separated, from the roads that can be used by those traveling on foot or by bicycle, or even where one can spend time for rest and recreation. The local council that makes similar proposals will have an additional benefit, because IM invest in creating this space without reducing the amount of meterage allocated for the reconstruction of roads in the locality.
Photos: MTIP
