Moving in the right direction

One of the realistic concerns of Maltese society has always been the bad state of our roads and the seeming inability to provide proper maintenance and upkeep.

However, in the past few years things have changed radically in this aspect and before our very eyes we have seen kilometres of roads transformed into state-of-the-art thoroughfares.

Converting Malta from a lunar surface into a Mediterranean gem with roads of excellence is no mean undertaking. However, one of the Malta Transport Authority's objectives has always been to provide roads of excellence for our motorists and the Ministry for Roads and Urban Development (MUDR) is committed to doing just this!

The Malta Transport Authority (ADT) and the ministry have recently embarked on an ambitious project of new residential roads to be built between 2006-08. About 450 roads have been identified in villages and towns across Malta, and Lm8 million have been allocated.

This ambitious project reflects the government's determination to improve our environment and will surely enhance the quality of life of thousands of residents. Prioritising works on these roads is no easy task and the ADT has an energetic, committed team working on this.

To the relief of my fellow residents in Sta Lucija, a number of roads in our locality have been included. Our sincere thanks to the MUDR and ADT for including these streets: Oleander, Dawret it-Torri, Tulipan, Gladjoli, Qoton and Inez Soler.

These roads are a typical example of residential roads, which have not been seen to for around 30 years. The fact that these are now being rebuilt and not simply patched up is a true reflection of the commitment of the central government through ADT to residential as well as arterial roads.

Works have already started in Triq it-Tulipan. As always, co-ordination with road infrastructural services will ultimately determine the finishing time of this project, but as with Triq in-Narcis (completed at the end of 2005) the result will be a road of excellence with proper signage and attractive pavements, much to the residents' satisfaction.

The letter of acceptance for works on Dawret it-Torri and Oleander has already been issued and works should start early this year. Works on the other roads are expected to begin physically on site towards the end of May.

Being a small locality, Sta Lucija's local council budget does not extend to the building of all these roads and it is through the intervention of the central government that this has all been possible.

Despite the major projects currently in hand, like the rebuilding of Manwel Dimech Bridge, the ADT and MUDR are committed to reaching out to residential areas and this road programme proves just that!