Msida Creek contractor fined for blocking pedestrian access
Infrastructure Malta says access has been restored following inspection
A contractor working on the Msida Creek project has been fined for having closed off pedestrian access as roadworks continue, Infrastructure Malta said on Saturday.
The state agency said its inspectors had visited the site and found that pedestrian passageways “did not meet required safety standards.”
“While works being carried out are extensive, it is not acceptable for pedestrian passageways to not be in a decent state,” it said.
The agency said it has now taken action to rectify the situation and fined the contractor responsible.
“Infrastructure Malta thanks Msida residents and assures them that all their comments, good and bad, will be followed up,” it said.
The company responsible for the works is EPE JV, a joint venture, including Polidano Group, Electrofix and E&L Enterprises.
According to the contract awarded to the company, the contractor faces a fine up of up to €500 for every day of the infringement.
The agency took action after reports emerged on social media of pedestrian access at the ongoing project having been completely cut off by ongoing works.
A post in popular Facebook group Maltese Roads Traffic Updates warned on March 5 that pedestrians and cyclists were being forced to cross the busy road to make it from one side of the project to the other.
And last week Newsbook reported that pedestrians walking on the Gżira side of the project had to walk on the street alongside cars as pedestrian access was completely cut off by road works.
The Msida Creek project is slated for completion next year. The project involves the total overhaul of the Msida traffic junction, with a flyover replacing it having opened some months ago, as well as the creation of a stretch of pedestrian open area including a 300 metre water canal.
Works are being carried out by a consortium led by Polidano Group, which won the project through a €35 million tender offer.