16,000 lights adorn Sliema, St Julian's promenade

The Promenades in Sliema and St Julian's at night are ablaze with a total of 16,000 Christmas lights, which were lit by Dr Francis Zammit, Minister for Human Resources and Infrastructure, on Thursday evening.

Dr Zammit Dimech said Government saw to the upkeep of the promenades on a regular basis.

Some Lm2 million was invested in embellishment projects along the two-and-a-half kilometre promenade, which has been extended by 50 per cent. Pavements, lights and other furnishings were also replaced.

The third phase of works is expected to be completed before summer. This phase was split into two parts, the first (area covering City of London Bar to Balluta Square) to be completed by Friday.

The works included service ducts for a marine cable for Vodafone; water culverts in the area of the Bajja Hotel; the relaying of services by Enemalta, Maltacom, Water Services Corporation and Melita Cable; and stormwater systems.

Works on a new road in the area, the extension of a gallery overlooking the Neptunes pitch, and the widening of the narrow street next to Neptunes WPC were also in progress.

Trees were also being planted along the whole promenade for the festive season.