Commentary

Gozo is finally getting its share of road investment thanks to EU funds. The Victoria/San Lawrenz road network is getting an overhaul so that it can be upgraded to international standards. While such projects are welcomed with relief, one should not forget the secondary roads which are used to divert traffic when the main roads are under construction.

These secondary roads, more often than not, are left in a shoddy state without even a primer tarmac coating to reduce the number of potholes. A case in point is the perilous winding road behind Ta' Pinu Sanctuary which passes over a bridge towards Gharb.

Soon another arterial road will be given a badly needed facelift. The Mgarr/Victoria road has become synonymous with patchy work, especially the stretch between the Gozo Heritage and the beginning of Ghajnsielem, as well as the bumpy road just beyond Tal-Hniena roundabout.

Again, in this case, it would be opportune for local authorities to consider applying a base course to secondary roads which would eventually be used by motorists. Such streets include Ta' Bordin and Tal-Horob which will be at the receiving end of the diverted traffic from the Mgarr/Victoria arterial road. There are no alternative diversions, except these two, which are very narrow and full of potholes.

The use of these side roads, which are so narrow that they only accommodate mule-drawn carts, will cause acute traffic congestion because vehicles can only pass through in a single direction. Moreover Tal-Horob Street will be the only connecting road for the residents of Tal-Barmil Home Ownership Scheme, Xewkija, when the arterial road is ripped up.

The reorganisation of these two roads, which involve only minor widening and a base course make traffic flow freely and at the same time put the motorists' mind at rest that they will reach their destination without much hassle. This will especially help Maltese and foreign motorists who are not familiar with these secondary roads.

It is hoped that these suggestions are considered before the summer.