Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543228
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 13 FEBRUARY 2026 NEWS THE Office of the Ombudsman has closed its investigation into prolonged delays in the com- pletion of roadworks on Triq Tumas Cassar in Għarb, after direct involvement by the Min- ister for Gozo and Planning led to the restart and finalisation of the project. The investigation, launched on September 1, 2025, was prompted by complaints from residents who had been ex- periencing significant incon- venience, including prolonged works and dust nuisance, due to the stalled infrastructure project. Initially, the Għarb Local Council informed the Ombuds- man's Office in July 2025 that it was responsible for the works, as Triq Tumas Cassar fell un- der its remit. The council at- tributed delays to unexpected infrastructural challenges, in- cluding replacements of water and drainage mains, and the extension of the scope of works by utilities authorities, which required fresh funding approval from the Ministry for Gozo and Planning. The Ombudsman's Office said that despite acknowledging these challenges, the council failed to provide a definitive, verifiable timeline for complet- ing the works by the deadline set by its Office. As a result, the Office opened a formal own in- itiative investigation under the Ombudsman Act. With works largely stalled in- to late 2025, the Ombudsman consulted directly with the Minister for Gozo and Planning under Article 18(4) of the Om- budsman Act, seeking ministe- rial coordination to break the deadlock. The Ombudsman's Office said that the Minister for Gozo re- sponded with full cooperation, keeping it informed and help- ing to ensure progress on site. The project started again ear- ly 2026, despite an interruption caused by Storm Harry. By 4 February, the roadworks re- sumed with tarmac laying, and by 5 February the first course of tarmac was completed, a key step towards finalisation. Following these develop- ments, the Ombudsman's Of- fice determined that the objec- tives of the investigation had been met and officially closed the case, acknowledging the constructive approach and re- sponsiveness of the Gozo Min- ister. The Office reaffirmed its com- mitment to monitoring pub- lic concerns and ensuring that public service providers adhere to standards of good adminis- tration, particularly for projects that directly affect daily life. LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt Ombudsman closes investigation into delayed roadworks in Gharb The state of Triq Tumas Cassar, Gharb on 31st July 2025 An aerial shot of Triq Tumas Cassar on the 5th February 2026