The first phase of the Msida Creek project, which started a few weeks ago, is proceeding at a fast pace, the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Ministry said that the architects of the project spoke with Minister Chris Bonett and Infrastructure Malta CEO Steve Ellul as they visited the site to detail how the construction site was surrounded by two-meter-high concrete panels while a segregated pedestrian route was created around the site so that pedestrians could safely pass through the area.
It continued that the preparatory works are currently being carried out and consist of 86 pillars being inserted into the ground which will be the basis of the construction of a new road connecting the Xatt of Ta’ Xbiex with Pieta. The Ministry said that several sheet piles are being placed in the ground in this area to form the water channel. It continued that the surrounding embankment is being strengthened to facilitate more dredging in that part of Msida.
In the coming days, the Ministry said that part of the central strip in Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli will be removed to open up space for two temporary lines in the direction towards the Birkirkara bypass, and added that this modification is necessary to start the repair work on the walls of the road.
Bonett expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far on the project and said that the work being done is crucial to provide the best quality infrastructure that can withstand the development of Msida and the country. He spoke of the opening of a new temporary public car park of 70 spaces in Triq Clarence for the Msida locality, and the Ministry stated that this will compensate for the loss of parking spaces around the site due to the works.
“Our dedicated team continues to make significant strides in this transformative project, and we will remain committed to maintaining full transparency while delivering the highest quality work for the Maltese people,” Infrastructure Malta CEO Steve Ellul said.
The Ministry stated that another phase of the project will begin in the coming weeks, where digging will be done around the workers’ monument to make the necessary preparations for the water channel which will be formed to prevent flooding in the area.
It added that a temporary road will be formed between the workers’ monument and the playground with the aim of facilitating access for those travelling to Triq D’Argens. It said that this change in route is crucial to start the necessary works and build the road that connects Triq Ix-Xatt with Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli.