Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1487971
12 OPINION Not just for cars IN recent years my ministry through Infrastructure Malta, delivered the reconstruction and maintenance of over 1,000 residential, rural and secondary roads. Unheard-of outputs, a commit- ment to deliver under pressure like no other. There is no doubt about that. In line with government's di- rection, we embarked and deliv- ered several major projects that were discussed for many years, in some cases for decades. One needs only mention the Marsa Junction and the Central Link projects to understand the dif- ference we brought to the table. Not only will we continue to de- liver new major projects (Kirkop Luqa Junction, Mriehel Under- pass, Luqa Dinitrol Projects) and deliver focused maintenance of our road networks, but we will do so by adopting a design-based approach that whatever we plan has the individual, the resident at the centre of what we do. This is infrastructure that al- lows the individual to opt for any mode of transport they pre- fer. Infrastructure that offers alternatives. Infrastructure that ensures safety, provides peace of mind, and delivers best value for money for the investment the country puts in it. This is best captured in the Safe Active Mobility routes project I recent- ly announced: €35 million in- vestment in alternative mobility routes that we plan to start im- plementing as of next year. Infrastructure Malta's business plan will be based on four key pillars: quality, safety, sustaina- bility and accountability. Of course, we're not ignoring the realities the country, Europe and the world are facing. Govern- ment's priority at this moment is to protect families and businesses from the threats of rising inflation, supply-chain disruptions and so on; in a business plan that assures best return on investment, prior- itising projects with best returns is a must. With activity picking up again after two years where most of the world paused, it's critical that we continue to invest in our in- frastructure. A sure way to guar- antee economic success in the years to come, hopeful that these tumultuous times will be short- lived and behind us sooner than later. We will continue to invest in systems that ensure quality in all that we do, from our procure- ment cycle to the actual delivery of projects. IM will launch an R&I arm to work on delivering the first Asset Management Reg- ister for roads infrastructure in the country, an AMR support- ed by a robust standards man- ual meant to ensure the highest levels of delivery but not only, ongoing maintenance to max- imise the lifetime of each of the projects we deliver. We will col- laborate with main stakeholders like Enemalta and WSC to en- sure that the integrity of our net- works is maintained at the high- est levels possible at all times. Better coordination between the main players meant to address the growing weariness of the people we serve when faced with the unavoidable disruptions these projects bring with them. Unavoidable disruptions and in- conveniences yes, but certainly we can do better together. Better site management, less disrup- tions, less inconveniences, better planning, better coordination. More quality More quality, a must. As from this month we're eliminating the use of plastic-based manhole covers and using ductile iron instead, better quality, better durability. These are the small actions we will continue to take every day, to deliver improved projects in our communities. A central role in our strategy is safety by design. We will contin- ue to deliver projects that address accident black spots all over the island and introduce measures and new emerging technologies to help different road users reach their destination safely both on land and at sea. Despite the chal- lenges, and the space limitations, we remain committed to provide active mobility routes that are segregated, provide more peace of mind to road users, encour- aging the population to explore other modes of transport to reach their destination. We are allocating a dedicated budget of €2.1 million for safety measures that IM will implement. These measures include road diets, gateway treatments, improved pedestrian facilities and cross- ings, better speed management and more importantly making road networks easier to under- stand and navigate. A dedicated safety budget that will make a difference, a set of measures that are critical for us to improve on what we have today. Unless we grow more sustain- able, we will die a natural death. It may sound extreme, but it's a fact. Our projects require and produce materials that leave a significant impact on the envi- ronment around us. Infrastruc- ture Malta is binding itself to work with its partners to signif- icantly address this fact knowing that the opportunities to im- prove in this area are real, tan- gible. From production methods of asphalt to materials used in our projects, to how we dispose of our waste, the usage of recy- cled materials, we will leave no stone unturned to improve our environmental credentials. Not only that, as a significant player in the industry, we will take the lead to bring change in the lo- cal industry, partnering up with other key players to have a clear strategy on the subject. We will work with stakeholders to launch the National Active Mobility routes, including in- centives for local councils to join this national drive. Above all, we will continue to work to deliver network im- provements across the island, minimising bottlenecks and traffic congestion, a sure way to reduce related emissions. Major projects like the Marsa-Qormi area, Msida Creek and the area of St Paul's Bay/Bugibba will be planned, funded and delivered. Infrastructure Malta is entrust- ed to manage more than €100 million per annum in national and EU funds. This is a respon- sibility in itself under normal circumstance but becomes more pressing during such times. The agency will double its efforts to ensure maximum accountability and transparency in all its op- erations. It is binding itself not only to publish its business plan but will commit itself to pub- lish an annual report detailing the actions taken for each of the following years covered by the business plan, 2023-2025. The agency will set up special- ised working groups with differ- ent stakeholders ranging from NGOs, local councils and other key players to explain its opera- tions, to enhance cooperation, strengthen consultation and avoid unnecessary controversies arising from lack of communica- tion. The above is only a summary of what we intend to do, we're looking forward to conclude the detailed business plan: a plan that will be shared with all. A plan that will involve many part- ners, as IM alone will not make it. Not even Government alone can make it. But we're reassured with our past, the difference we brought to the table. IM's team of dedicated skilled profession- als is ready to deliver, for you, for Malta. Infrastructure for the people. We believe it. We will deliver it. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 11 DECEMBER 2022 Aaron Farrugia Aaron Farrugia is Minister for transport and infrastruture