Updated at 4.30 pm with comments from Sliema mayor and Infrastructure Malta

A section of a prominent Sliema road will be closed for two days next week to remove large boulders in the Qui-Si-Sana Bay that are causing "a significant hazard" to swimmers, Infrastructure Malta has announced. 

The agency told Times of Malta that it was informed by the Sliema local council about the hazards caused by three large boulders in the swimming area of the bay.

A spokesperson said they were informed that the boulders currently in the sea were brought closer to land by strong waves during storms that took place last year. 

"There are around three large boulders and a couple of smaller ones in the swimming area where a significant number of elderly people swim," the spokesperson said.

"Obviously, they are a hazard as they can cause injuries or trap people under those that are not stable."

Works will take place on Monday and Tuesday, with part of the lane heading from Triq Ix-Xatt ta’ Qui-Si-Sana towards Triq It-Torri to be closed to remove the boulders. The works will take place between 8 pm and 2 am. 

According to Infrastructure Malta, access from Triq It-Torri towards Triq Qui-Si-Sana will remain open on the opposite lane. 

Infrastructure Malta will remove the boulders after receiving a request from the Sliema Local Council to remove the large stone boulders that have tumbled into the Qui-Si-Sana Bay following bad weather and pose a hazard to swimmers.

In a similar facebook post announcing the works, the Sliema Local Council provided further details of how the works will take place. 

Machinery will be lowered onto the site between 8 pm and 2 am on Monday, and on Tuesday (7 am to 7 pm) the breaking up of the boulders will take place, along with the removal of resultant material from the sea. 

On Tuesday evening, the material and machinery will be removed from the site.

A similar exercise took place four years ago when the Tourism Zones Regeneration Agency, along with the Sliema Local Council, removed a large boulder from the sea and placed it on the rocks of the popular bay.

Speaking to Times of Malta Sliema mayor John Pillow said this boulder will also be removed next week. 

"That boulder weighs over 19 tons," he added.