Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1183404
12 ASPHALT used for the resur- facing of a country lane outside a fireworks factory was spilled in a nearby field in Wied Qirda, Zebbug, after the truck carry- ing it accidentally overturned on the side of the road. Images showing the hot tar- mac spilled on the field made the rounds on social media, with Zebbug local councillor Steve Zammit Lupi hitting out at the situation. The truck had to be taken out of the field with a crane. Zammit Lupi claimed the road – which leads to the San Guzepp fireworks factory – was being widened without a per- mit, something roads agency Infrastructure Malta has con- tested. "The road's width has been trebled, and rare flowers and carob tree branches have been removed in the process. The truck fell into the field after the ridge collapsed," Zammit Lupi said, who reported the case to the Environment and Resourc- es Authority, who inspected the scene together with a Lands Department official and a po- lice inspector. "We have demanded that these works are stopped im- mediately and an investigation takes place. Wied Qirda has al- ways been in deleterious state but these works throw salt in the wound." On its part, Infrastructure Malta said the ongoing works were part of the resurfacing of countryside roads used mainly by farmers to access their agri- cultural lands. "The road was earmarked for resurfacing in 2018. Parts of it were completed earlier this year and last year. Works include the removal of the existing tar- macked surface, repairs to its foundations and the laying of a narrow strip of new asphalt," a spokesperson said. "The countryside road in question has been used as a public road for many years. In fact, the land in question is subject to an expropriation ini- tiated over two decades ago," the IM spokesperson said when asked by MaltaToday whether surfacing was being carried out over roads that were not pub- licly owned. "The repair and maintenance works in this road are being carried out in accordance with an applicable Transport Malta road works permit. Before this permit was issued, the Author- ity consulted several stakehold- ers, including the Zebbug Local Council. There were no objec- tions to the repair and resurfac- ing of this road," the spokesper- son said. The damage to the road struc- ture caused by the accident will be repaired in the coming weeks. Once these repairs are ready, all debris and asphalt on the side of the road will be cleaned. "Infrastructure Malta is working to complete these road works as soon as possible, whilst ensuring to minimise any impact on nearby agricul- tural lands and the nearby val- ley," the spokesperson said. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 NOVEMBER 2019 NEWS Hot asphalt spilt in valley during roadworks outside fireworks factory JAMES DEBONO THE Superintendence for Cultural Heritage has described a proposed five-storey commercial complex and old people's home at Tal-Grazzja in Zebbug, just 40 metres away from a 17th century chapel, as "excessive and inappropriate" and "to- tally unacceptable." Nearly 300 residents have already sent their objections to the contro- versial project proposed by developer Jean Borg on the site of the Tal Ka- prat winery, which forms part of Zebbug's Urban Conservation Area and is characterised by two- storey houses. The development also includes eight shops at ground floor level. A policy approved in 2017 allows the develop- ment of two extra storeys above height limitations when developments in- clude homes for the el- derly. The policy is also applicable in UCAs. But the Superintendence con- tends that the develop- ment is in breach of de- sign guidelines for urban developments issued in 2015. The heritage authority warned that the proposed height clearly exceeds any existing commitments and will create extensive blank party walls The Superintendence is also objecting to the proposed demolition of the façade and construc- tion of five floors within a UCA, which would create a new dominant height, extensive blank party walls and adversely affect the character of the UCA. "The proposed design, volume and massing is totally unacceptable," the SCH said. Zebbug mayor Malcolm Paul Galea was one of those who vociferously opposed the proposed project. He appealed to residents to join forces to oppose turning the Ka- prat winery into an old people's home, with more than 1,700sq.m of floor space. Independent coun- cillor Steve Zammit Lupi has also objected. Superintendence objects to five-storey home in Zebbug Five-storey home near 17th century chapel 'totally unacceptable' The heritage authority warned that the proposed height clearly exceeds any existing commitments and will create extensive blank party walls