A structure aimed at preventing suicides is to be erected on Mosta Bridge, a notorious suicide spot, if plans laid out by the local council are approved.

“Mosta is fed up of being known for a considerable number of suicides every year, and we want to do our bit to save as many lives as we possibly can,” a source close to the council told this newspaper.

The council is in talks with the police and the Infrastructure Ministry about the idea.

Questions sent to the police for the latest statistics on suicides in Malta, particularly at the Mosta Bridge, remained unanswered at the time of going to print.

However, general suicide statistics available for the years 2009 to 2014 show that there were 131 suicides in Malta during that period, 120 of them being males. The youngest victim was aged 14, while the eldest was 98.

This initiative, along with the structure, will go a long way in saving the lives of desperate people who cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel

Sources said that the Mosta council had been planning such a structure for a number of months, but this was only put into practice recently, when talks began with the authorities.

The bridge is also popular for abseiling: some who practise the sport have expressed concern that one of their favourite locations is going to be closed off by a metal structure. However, sources said the council had thought of this, too: the structure will have special openings secured by padlocks, which may be opened prior to abseiling events. The organisers require a council permit in any case.

The Mosta Bridge is a notorious site for suicides.

The news was welcomed by several Mosta residents who spoke to The Sunday Times of Malta, especially those living in the vicinity of the bridge, which is visited too often by police, paramedics and, unfortunately, hearses. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, one resident said the council should go one step further and install a suicide helpline and signage that might prevent someone from taking the leap.

“This suicide prevention initiative, along with the structure, will go a long way in saving the lives of desperate people who cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

Aġenzija Appoġġ offers emotional help through its round-the-clock support line 179 on various issues, including suicide, both to those contemplating it and to relatives, especially after a loss.

The service is operated by trained volunteers and backed by professionals. Callers can remain anonymous unless they require further help and need to be referred to the appropriate services.

matthew.xuereb@timesofmalta.com