Watch: Buġibba works to go on throughout the summer

Regeneration works in Buġibba Square will carry on through the summer to complete the project as quickly as possible, the authorities have said, amid concerns raised about the state of the area.

Recent online reviews describe the square as a “mess” through “never-ending construction works” – sentiments echoed by some residents and tourists Times of Malta spoke to during a visit to Buġibba.

But Infrastructure Malta, responsible for the project together with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), insists works have been scheduled to reduce noise, while noting that pedestrian access to the square has not been restricted.

The works, which kicked off at the start of this year, are expected to be completed by next summer and will cost €10 million.

While MTA rules banning demolition and excavation works came into effect in June, lasting until the end of September, national infrastructure works are exempt – including the Buġibba pjazza.

Some recent online reviewers do not appear to have been impressed by the scene. Writing on Google Maps, Reuben Vella called the square “dirty, overcrowded... has been dug up for ages”.

Karen Hodge called the square “a dreadful mess” while reviewer Klaus Sw said it was “not usable”.

Meanwhile, in a recent letter to Times of Malta, Qawra resident George Saliba called the works a “shambles... in the height of the summer”.

Noisy excavation of the site was under way during Times of Malta’s visit, with the centre of the square surrounding the works walled off, though the site was still visible from some vantage points.

Ongoing works in Buġibba Square. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Opinions on the street were mixed. Some residents and tourists objected to the works and questioned their timing, while others did not seem concerned.

Australian tourist Charlie Depares, whose aunt lives nearby, said the authorities should have carried out the works in the low season.

UK tourists Tracy and Bret Wilson agreed and called the noise “annoying” for those sitting close by but said they would recommend the area to others, while Londoner Afoke Peter called the works “very obstructive”.

Resident Alfred Vella called the works “horrible... sometimes this whole area is closed with cranes and trucks” and Neil Mifsud said the works “have to be tackled very urgently”.

Greek tourist Alexandra Barkosibi said the works were “not so helpful” for residents and fellow tourists but said she faced similar problems back home, adding “it’s only a small part of Buġibba” that was impacted.

Infrastructure Malta said access to the area was not being obstructed. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Meanwhile, British tourist Eddie Waring said such works “happen all over the world; things have to be done”.

Infrastructure Malta said the work had been planned “to reduce inconveniences to residents and visitors, while making sure to complete this area’s much-needed revitalisation as soon as possible”.

An IM spokesperson said works had been coordinated in a way to “reduce noise impact during early morning hours”, while access to the square was “not being obstructed during these works”.

She noted that while IM was overseeing the initial phase of the project, the MTA would be responsible for “final embellishment” of the area and the installation of lighting and street furniture.