Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/874823
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2017 News 7 JAMES DEBONO A countryside path leading from Bidnija to the San Anton and San Andrea schools has recently been 'upgraded' with concrete in the absence of any planning permit, in a bid by Transport Malta to facilitate access to the schools. MaltaToday asked Transport Malta spe- cifically whether the works were covered by a planning permit but no reply was giv- en on this point. A search on the Planning Authority's website confirms the works are neither covered by a planning permit nor with a Development Notification, a procedure used for minor developments. The only pending application in the area by Transport Malta is that for "road wid- ening at Triq tal-Imselliet," but the ap- plication is still at a preliminary stage and does not even have a planning number. In the past the Planning Authority has is- sued enforcement orders against the level- ling of country paths with concrete. One such order was issued in 2007 against the Munxar local council for having illegally surfaced a walkway with concrete on the idyllic Tas-Sanap cliffs. But various minor works involving the upgrading of small country paths used by farmers have been carried out in the past without a permit, utilizing EU rural development funds. Stretching over a distance of about 1.5 kilometres, the schools country path links the Mgarr bypass to the San Andrea and San Anton schools which are only accessi- ble from further up the arterial thorough- fare. But Transport Malta explained the rea- sons why the works were undertaken. A spokesperson claimed that "the old lane" is being redeveloped to create another access point for the schools "without encroaching on undisturbed land, rural structures or vegetation" to ensure "a bet- ter traffic flow". Asked to explain the procedure used to approve these projects TM replied that the project is being implemented through the Authority's "applicable procurement procedures for similar works". He also explained that the road upgrade project is being done "in cooperation with the respective authorities" in a way which strikes a balance between "maintaining adequate road networks, environment protection and the interests of the com- munity and other stakeholders". The area around the two schools has been identified among several areas in need of such improvements to improve traffic flows and increase road safety across the road network. This is because during morning and ear- ly afternoon peaks, as children are taken to and from these two schools, "long queues block the busy road and restrict access to the schools." According to TM these projects are be- ing implemented this summer to ease the impacts of increased traffic ahead of the upcoming scholastic year. It was environmentalist Alan Deidun, a board member of the Environment and Resources Authority, who raised ques- tions on the works in a Facebook post, claiming that the works "destroyed the ru- ral fabric of this area". He also questioned the utility of the works claiming that these simply deviated traffic back to Mgarr by- pass, thus only shifting the bottleneck by a few hundred metres. In May the government had announced that it had received applications for the resurfacing of 123 rural roads using EU funds. 37 applications had been submitted by Transport Malta. Coincidentally the area enclosed in the country roads upgraded by Transport Malta is being earmarked for an agro tour- ism project proposed by VEMG Limited. Set over 142,407 square metres, if ap- proved the agritourism will include 400 sq.m of accommodation facilities, a 200 sq.m winery located at a corner between Triq Ghajn Tuffieha and Trejqa Qanfud, a 50 sq.m olive production facility and a 25 sq.m bee keeping facility. In total this would involve new development of over 675 sq.m. No permit for San Anton country road upgrade CORPORATE EVENTS TEAM BUILDING, SOCIAL EVENTS SEASONAL PARTIES... Looking for a venue-wi-a-difference for your event? Gianpula Village offers a range of original and unique venues perfect for creating at memorable occasion. To make an enquiry or book a show round call (356) 9974 8923 or email sales@gianpulavillage.com www.gianpulavillage.com Back-to-school traffic and safety tips • Drivers must always keep a front-to-rear form in their car in case of a bumper-to-bumper accident • In case of a bumper-to-bumper accident, drivers need to simply take a couple of photos, move the cars out of the way and afterwards fill in the forms without obstructing the traffic flow • Do not double park • Do not park on a bus stop – this will force a bus to stop in the middle of the road, causing delays and dangers to others • Where possible, carpool • Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts • Avoid distractions, such as the use of mobile phones or catching up on breakfast • Plan and allow for extra travel time • Observe speed limits, including fast and slow lanes • Have a plan for roadside assistance – keep the number of a roadside assistance handy Share the road with cyclists • When passing a cyclist, continue in the same direction slowly and make sure to allow at least three feet between your car and the cyclist • Wait for the rider to pass if you're turning right and the cyclist is approaching in the opposite direction; if the cyclist is approaching from behind, let the rider pass before making your turn • Always make use of indicators • Watch for bicycles coming from behind parked cars • Check side mirrors before opening your door