Over the past few years, the government has shown its commitment and determination to improve the overall appearance of the capital city, as well as conserve and restore its cultural heritage, Resources and Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit said yesterday.

Speaking during a visit to Merchants Street with Investment, Industry and Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt and Valletta mayor Paul Borg Olivier, Mr Zammit said the embellishment of Merchants Street forms part of a holistic paving project that is expected to cost more than Lm1 million.

The project is in two phases and should be completed in nine months time. The first phase will cover the stretch along Merchants Street that links Archbishop Street and St John Street, as well as the area surrounding the parvis of St John’s co-Cathedral, while the second phase will cover the part of Merchants Street that links St John Street to Castille Place.

Mr Zammit explained that the work to be carried out before the paving is laid includes the installation of new channels for water and electricity services. Manholes that lead to the sewage system will also be repaired, while new electricity systems will be installed on the façades of historic buildings.

The work will complement restoration work on historic buildings in the area, including Monte di Pieta, the historic Valletta market (Is-Suq tal-Belt), the side of the co-Cathedral and the Public Registry. Other areas that will be embellished once this project is completed are St George Square and Castille Place.