Chris Bonett announces two projects for Paola square
Minister pledges a square revamp and a well-lit church for the town in his electoral district
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bonett has announced more than €1 million in new projects for the centre of Paola, with plans to revamp the main square and install a new lighting system for the Basilica of Christ the King.
Paola falls within Bonett's electoral district and the twin project announcement comes as speculation over an early election intensifies.
Works in the square are already under way and include a new monument to Grand Master Antoine de Paule, a commemorative plaque marking 400 years since Paola’s founding, and bronze maps tracing the town’s development over time.
Existing fountains are to be restored and trees in planters and benches will be added in an effort to make the square more attractive for residents and visitors.
The Public Works Department is also preparing to issue a tender for a new lighting system for the basilica. According to the ministry, the system will highlight the church’s facades and dome, improve visibility from surrounding areas and allow operators to adjust lighting levels and scenes through a tablet, depending on the occasion.
The church lighting project is expected to take around seven months to complete once works begin, after the tendering process is concluded.
Bonett said the two projects were part of a wider regeneration drive in Paola and pointed to other works already completed or under way, including Tony Bezzina Garden and ongoing works at Pawlu Boffa Garden and Silvio Parnis Garden, as well as road and pavement upgrades.
He said the latest two projects amounted to an investment of over €1 million and would continue to give Paola "the importance and dignity it deserves".
Paola Mayor Jason Silvio welcomed the investment, saying the square project would embellish one of the town’s best-known areas and build on other works being carried out around the locality.