Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542674
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 18 JANUARY 2026 NEWS New Floriana fire station misses deadline as works remain suspended A new fire station in Floriana, which had to be completed by 2024, remains an abandoned construction site after works were suspended, MaltaToday has learnt. The suspension is the re- sult of a "contractual dispute" between the Civil Protection Department and Rockcut Ltd, which was awarded the €3.5 million tender in 2023. "The Civil Protection Depart- ment makes use of public fi- nances and requires that works are carried out to proper stand- ards," a spokesperson for the department told MaltaToday, when asked about the stalled project. The CPD confirmed there is an "ongoing contractu- al dispute" with the contractor but did not give any detail. The spokesperson said works were suspended "temporarily" even though the issue has been dragging on for almost two years. Asked whether a new comple- tion date has been set, the CPD spokesperson said the "litiga- tion must be duly resolved" before works can resume. The department is seeking an am- icable settlement but could take the matter to court. "Once the matter is concluded, the project will proceed towards completion," the spokesperson said. A planning permit for the site, which is situated along Sa Mai- son Hill, was issued in 2020. The project was being managed by Projects Plus Ltd, a govern- ment entity, on behalf of the CPD. Meanwhile, in March last year the PA granted permission for a minor amendment to shift the building by around a metre towards the road. The CPD spokesperson said the modification to the original plans was necessary following the discovery of a historic stair- case during excavation works. "On the direction of the Su- perintendent of Cultural Her- itage, the footprint of the new building was shifted by ap- proximately one metre in or- der to preserve and protect this feature. This adjustment was undertaken in full respect of Malta's cultural heritage obligations," the spokesperson said. In 2021, during the signing of a project agreement between the CPD and Projects Plus, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri had said the station would be able to offer a bet- ter service in Valletta, Floriana and nearby areas. However, it seems these lo- calities will have to wait a little longer to have an operational KURT SANSONE ksansone@mediatoday.com.mt Artist's impression available on Project Plus's website of how the new fire station should look once completed