A demolished road has left Msida residences locked out of their own properties

Owners of flats and garages in a residential complex in Msida have expressed their frustration at having access to their property hindered for almost two years, after the road in front of the complex was completely demolished due to safety concerns. 

The road, part of Triq Achille Ferris, which overlooks the northbound lane of Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli, was initially constructed on top of a reinforced concrete frame by the developers of the complex to provide access to around 70 garages spread over three levels.

But residents say it was then incorporated into the area’s public road network, resulting in heavy traffic that put a strain on its structural integrity.

“Around 2017, pieces of concrete began falling from the underside of the road onto the ramp that leads to the basement level garages,” said resident Angele Vassallo, who has lived in the block since 2000.

In 2020, the road was closed – although residents could still use their garages – and plans were submitted to the Planning Authority by a new developer to demolish the road and rebuild it from scratch.

Road before demolition. Photo: GoogleMaps

In 2024, residents were told they could no longer access their garages. Works then started last March, before stopping again around a year later after the application – DS/00449/25 – had to start again because the project’s architects found out they needed to excavate deeper than first thought.

Vassallo said residents have not observed any works occurring since August. To leave her home she and the other residents must now walk through the garage complex to the entrance on Triq Tal-Qroqq, since her porch is boarded up.

“If we want to take out your rubbish in the morning, we have to go through all this hassle. One of the other residents here struggles to walk, and there is nothing for her to hold on to. The inconvenience we are going through is incredible. We’ve been living in limbo and we don’t know what is going to happen,” she said.

Grace and Gilbert Gatt own two garages in the complex, in which they and their daughter kept five cars. While they have been given two spaces in an adjacent garage, they were not able to remove one of the cars since the road was closed, leading to it developing mechanical problems.

“It’s very hard to find parking in this area, and taxis stop here while waiting for bookings,” Grace said.

She said residents had attempted in vain to contact various authorities in an effort to speed up the process.

“Our main feeling is frustration. It’s like they’ve been playing pass the parcel with us.”

To add insult to injury, a burst sewage pipe began leaking into the garages, leading residents to build a gutter out of their own pockets.

The road from above

The sewage also leaked into the excavated space where the road’s foundations used to be, resulting in plants and flowers sprouting up.“It’s the only place in Msida where there’s greenery,” Vassallo said sarcastically.

Speaking to Times of Malta, the project’s architect, Mark Anthony Muscat, confirmed that works were set back by the excavation issue. He added that the works were also complicated by the fact that they were so close to one of Malta’s main arterial roads.

“The residents are right to feel frustrated. We’re hoping permits will finally be issued in a month,” he said.

Attempts to contact the developer of the works were unsuccessful.