Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/992522
9 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 JUNE 2018 JAMES DEBONO SIX ferry terminals with shel- tered waiting, landing and boarding areas are to be devel- oped in Maltese ports in a bid to encourage maritime transport and alleviate traffic on the roads. Transport Malta intends up- grading three existing ferry land- ing sites at Sliema, Marsamxett and Bormla, and develop three new locations at Msida-Ta' Xbiex, Spinola and Bugibba by 2021. The government is in a race against time to secure EU fund- ing for the project from op- erational funds, which expire in 2020. So far, specific plans were sub- mitted to redevelop the landings in Sliema and Bormla while a landing ferry for the fast-ferry link to Gozo is also being pro- posed at Marsamxett. In Bormla the proposed loca- tion for the landing site will be located on the edge of Dock 1, parallel to Triq Dom Mintoff in the vicinity of the American University of Malta. A small temporary tent struc- ture is already being used for the inner harbour ferry service be- tween Bormla and Valletta. Mar- samxetto Steamferry Services currently runs this ferry service. The landing terminal will oc- cupy a total area of 550sq.m, of which 134sq.m will be reclaimed from the sea. The building, to be completed in 2019, will consist of a land- ing and boarding area, ticketing space and a waiting area with 120 to 130 seats. Priority board- ing areas, one indoor and the other outdoor, have been pro- posed for disabled people. The proposed location for the ferry-landing site in Sliema is lo- cated on the southern Sliema wa- terfront, opposite Manoel Island, in Marsamxett Harbour. The area is already used by a number of commercial companies offer- ing a range of boat trips. The proposed ferry-landing site will have a total area of 921sq.m, taking up 60sq.m of the exist- ing quay. The new building will consist of two landing/boarding areas, a waiting area, two prior- ity areas for disabled people and a ticketing office. The terminal will also contain two commercial spaces, one indoor and outdoor, to house kiosks serving light snacks and refreshments. The supporting infrastructure will consist of 20 reinforced concrete bored piles, reinforced concrete blocks and reinforced concrete beams. The develop- ment will require excavation works at the toe of the revetment to protect the structure from the waves. The project will include bicy- cle racks to encourage people to combine cycling with using the ferry. The development at Sliema is expected to be completed in 2020. Fast-ferry landing to be located on floating barge Transport Malta has also pre- sented plans for a fast-ferry land- ing terminal on a floating barge in Barriera Wharf in Valletta. The barge will be connected to the pier by a bridge. The termi- nal will consist of two landing/ boarding areas, a ticketing of- fice, a small kiosk, waiting space and toilet facilities in a 349sq.m. covered structure. The floating barge will extend over 666sq.m. The terminal will cater for ves- sels that are 40m long and 12m wide. The fast ferry service will take approximately 45 minutes to travel from Valletta, Malta to Mgarr, Gozo. Several options, including us- ing the current inter-harbour ferry service operating between Valletta and Cospicua, where discarded due to navigational safety concerns. The Superintendence for Cul- tural Heritage has expressed concern on the visual impact of the project and has asked Trans- port Malta to carry out a study of possible alternative sites within the Pixkerija area that could be used as a terminal, which will only require a causeway and a sea-craft tie-up structure elimi- nating the need for new struc- tures. NEWS S I T U A T I O N V A C A NT Officer (Corporate Affairs) The Regulator for Energy and Water Services is seeking to recruit an Officer (Corporate Affairs). The selected candidate must be in possession of a relevant engineering University Degree (MQF Level 6); be proficient in using common software packages and have the ability to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) in the Maltese and English Language. Further details with regards to this post may be obtained from the Regulator's website. Interested persons are requested to send their application, together with a detailed CV, by not later than noon of Friday, 22 June 2018. Applications marked Private and Confidential, are to be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Regulator for Energy and Water Services, Millennia, 2 nd Floor, Aldo Moro Street, Marsa, MRS 9065, or by e-mail to ceo@rews.org.mt. All applications shall be acknowledged and treated in the strictest confidence. Millennia, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa, MRS 9065. Tel.: 22955121; Fax.: 22955200 http://www.rews.org.mt JOBPLUS PERMIT No. 265/2018 Six ferry landing terminals to be completed by 2021