The Maltese people were today enjoying high quality roads thanks to the funds obtained from the European Union, Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett said yesterday.

During a visit by EPP-ED representatives at the Hal Far Road, one of six projects co-funded by the EU, Minister Mugliett explained that the EU funds enabled the government to embark on a programme to improve the road network.

A good part of the funds Malta obtained from the EU between 2004 and 2006 – about EUR26 million – were specifically used for this purpose. Apart from the Hal Far Road, a stretch of three kilometres which cost EUR4.7 million, the projects included Civil Aviation Avenue in Luqa (0.6km) and the road leading from Victoria to San Lawrenz (3.3 km).

The St Paul’s Bay bypass, a 2.7 kilometre stretch, will be opened today after an investment of EUR6 million, while work on the road between Ghajnsielem and Victoria, and on the Manwel Dimech bridge which will cost EUR6 million, is also underway.

In all, some 16.5 kilometres of roads have been reconstructed with EU funds and money coming from the Italian Financial Protocol, Mr Mugliett said.