Transport Malta yesterday said it was prioritising Salina during works on the Coast Road so as to minimise disruption to businesses in the area.

In Salina, the road project has been delayed by the discovery of archaeological remains.

But Transport Malta said in a statement that it was “very sensitive and aware of the inconvenience caused to restaurants and residents in the area and] is doing its utmost to complete the works in the shortest possible time”.

It said it was committed to preserving the historical heritage unearthed during the project.

“These significant discoveries have delayed certain parts of the project follow rigorous procedures implemented, also under the constant supervision of the Superintendant of Cultural Heritage.”

It was very sensitive and aware of the inconvenience

The owners of two popular restaurants in Salina told the Times of Malta earlier this week they were feeling “hopeless” and “desperate” as business had ground to an almost complete halt while works on the Coast Road continued.

The owners said access had been nearly impossible for more than three months, while the entire area was also constantly covered in dust.

Works on the Coast Road project, which stretches from Pembroke to Salina, have unearthed a number of archaeological features and artefacts including a Punico-Roman tomb, agricultural trenches, the remains of a late Roman structure and of what is possibly a Late Antiquity harbour at Salina.

Transport Malta said areas with commercial entities and residents were being given the highest priority to ensure they were completed first, whenever possible.