Buġibba Square works ‘advancing rapidly’, authorities say
Underground structures and utility lines almost completed, surface works 'gathering pace'
Works to Buġibba Square are “advancing rapidly”, with most underground works completed, authorities said Tuesday.
In a statement, the tourism and infrastructure ministries said most underground structures and utility lines were almost finished, with surface finishing works “gathering pace”.
Works kicked off at the beginning of this year and are due to be completed by next summer. The works continued through the summer to finish the project as quickly as possible, authorities told Times of Malta in July.
Speaking during a visit to the site, project coordinator Jason Micallef, Infrastructure Malta CEO Steve Ellul and Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef said workers had replaced water, electricity and telecommunications lines, which had been moved to a new underground culvert to make future maintenance works easier.
An underground reservoir is under construction, designed to provide water to a new fountain and landscaped areas that will be installed at the square, they said.
Most underground works are almost finished, authorities said. Photo: DOI.
Ministers and the heads of various authorities visited the site. Photo: DOI.
“The reconstruction of several streets leading to the square, and the adjacent promenade, as well as surface finishes, including paving and landscaping installations, are in progress as well”, the statement read.
Authorities said the square will feature “safer footpaths, new landscaped areas, upgraded lighting, shaded seating areas and other street furniture”.
Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Ian Borg noted the regeneration of the square was part-funded by contributions paid by tourists to Malta, while signalling the government's intention to invest in further similar projects.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bonett said the works were on schedule to be completed in May next year, and that by the summer, residents and tourists “will be able to enjoy this open space in a more modern, safe, and accessible environment”.
St Paul’s Bay mayor Censu Galea and IM and MTA officials were also on site for the visit.