Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1528951
7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 6 NOVEMBER 2024 CULTURE KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt CONSTRUCTION work on the controversial Msida Creek Pro- ject has begun, as stone barriers line the marina seafront in the locality. The project, which is set to be completed by 2027, will see an overhaul of road infrastructure in the junction which govern- ment promises will help ease traffic in one of the country's busiest roads. Approved by the Planning Authority in October 2023, the project has captured significant public attention, especially dur- ing the past months. EPE JV who made a bid of €34,700,007.77, were seen as the most suitable contractor for the project. The project was first proposed in 2019 but plans were substan- tially revamped in 2022 to allo- cate more public spaces includ- ing a 2,200sq.m public square in front of the church and a water canal. Environmentalists had wel- comed the increase in public spaces but objected to the flyo- ver as it still prioritised car traf- fic over other modes of travel. Public debate on whether the flyover is needed ramped up when the Kamra tal-Periti put forward its radical proposal to transform Msida's main square and do away with a proposed flyover. The Kamra tal-Periti's designs came at a very late stage when public contracts for works to re- design Msida Creek and build a flyover had already been award- ed and signed. They suggested the creation of a wooded area in the square that would com- plement a formal open pjazza in front of the church. The proposal also re-routes traffic along Valley Road and onto the junction that already exists near the reservoirs. Traf- fic from Valletta would loop at that junction to head back to- wards Ta' Xbiex, while traffic from the Paceville area would have to proceed to the Val- ley Road bridge and take a slip road down to Valley Road thus avoiding the Skate Park area. The KTP's designs were wel- comed by the Nationalist Party and its Msida councillors, lead- ing to a U-turn on its approval for the project. The move drew criticism from Infrastructure Minister Chris Bonnet who questioned why the PN knew about the alternative design before anyone else. As recorded in the minutes of Local Council meetings held during the tenure of the pre- vious council, when Margaret Baldacchino Cefai served as La- bour Mayor, all Labour and Na- tionalist Councillors had agreed to the project. But in October, the Nation- alist-majority council officially came out against the construc- tion of a flyover as part of Infra- structure Malta's Msida Creek project. In its motion, the council ex- pressed its opposition and ob- jected to the construction of the flyover in the centre of Msida and demanded Infrastructure Malta immediately and com- pletely halt the process con- cerning the construction of the flyover. Last week, in a press confer- ence at the locality, Nationalist MPs and councillors said the project will not solve traffic woes, and instead create more congestion. Speakers during the press conference said although the Minister for Infrastructure is saying it is now too late, as long as the flyover has not yet been built, "we are still in time to stop it." Msida Mayor Charles Selvag- gi emphasised the Nationalist councillors has always had res- ervations about the flyover and its effectiveness in solving the traffic problem, despite agree- ing on the need for a project that regenerates Msida through open spaces. He noted these reservations were also clearly documented in minutes taken during a Council meeting on 31 January 2023. But government has not tak- en the council's suggestions onboard, and decided to move ahead with the project. In a press conference last month, Infrastructure Malta CEO Steve Ellul said while the agency continues to consult with the council, one has to keep in mind that consultation over the project began around four years ago, and the council at the time had approved it. On the Kamra tal-Periti (KTP) proposals, Ellul said there is agreement on a number of prin- ciples between the two propos- als. "We both agree on open spac- es, which the project caters for, and the need to reduce traffic in the area. I feel the projects strikes a balance between such needs and the reality of the ar- ea," he said. Stone barriers have been set up along the Msida marina as work on the project begins this month (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) The Msida Creek project proposed in 2019 by Infrastructure Malta (top) and the proposal by the Kamra tal-Periti (above) Msida Creek Project works underway