Malta’s road network has often been the source of much criticism due to the state of the roads and the seemingly impossible task of having stretches of tarmac that closely resemble those found in other European countries.
The source of concern, however, stems from the fact that millions of euros are being spent every year by the government and local councils to patch up, improve or reconstruct kilometres of roads, but the effort cannot be fully appreciated by motorists who still feel short-changed due to the perceived lower quality of local roads.
Perhaps the country has become resigned to accepting the way of life can hardly improve, but the authorities have the obligation to ensure that public funds are spent in the best possible way and the return on investment should justify the expense.
In terms of road maintenance, value for money is possibly a hard feat to achieve, since the improvements achieved in terms of quality are generally perceived as below standard, especially the road surface which provides minimum traction for vehicles. The surface of roads that are commonly referred to as ‘new’, and for which funds obtained from abroad had to be used, has progressively degenerated over a relatively short time span.
The reason for the sorry state of affairs was identified recently by the National Audit Office, which conducted a study to determine the efficiency, effectiveness and economical underpinnings of the Roads and Infrastructure Directorate with respect to road surface repair works carried out on the arterial and distributor road network. It is the responsibility of the Roads and Infrastructure Directorate to repair and maintain the local arterial and distributor road network. Although the repair of link roads falls under the responsibility of the local councils, the Roads and Infrastructure Directorate at times intervenes and executes the necessary repairs itself.
The Audit Office found that 37 out of 43 contracts which were reviewed were contested by a single bidder, and this, according to the Audit Office, poses considerable risk of reduced competitiveness. During the audit, the Audit Office also came across a number of shortcomings with regard to the inspection system used in identifying road surface defects and recommended an updated and reliable database of the defects in the road network as a strategic priority.
More worryingly, however, the audit noted that documentation submitted by tendering contractors relating to performance guarantees, insurance policies and other areas was found to be generally inadequate. These shortcomings could possibly mean that the Roads and Infrastructure Directorate is unable to enforce contract condition.
The Audit Office also noted an inconsistency between the standards and specifications concerning skid resistance in local legislation, as opposed to the established requirements in tender documents relating to road surface repairs.
Minimum skid resistance, potholes and bumps have become ingrained into the local way of life, and motorists are sort of resigned to this state of affairs, but this is a wrong attitude to accept. A serious and concerted effort is required to improve the road network to achieve European standards to guarantee value for money to taxpayers and provide the required security which is imperative to reduce accidents.