The Cospicua Dock 1 project, which has been dragging on for almost 20 years, has been finally completed and was officially inaugurated this evening.

The now disused dock was built during the British period and some of the buildings on the Senglea side date back to the time of the Knights of St John.

The whole area has been rehabilitated and the two sides of the promenade are now linked by a 40-metre steel bridge. The boundary wall was removed and landscaping have turned the former eyesore into a peaceful recreational area. The project included the construction of green areas, fountains, street furniture and decorative lighting.

Addressing the press and a sizeable crowd this evening, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said the Dock 1 project is part of a wider rehabilitation project that cost some €11 million.

“We are tonight inaugurating a project that has been dragging on for the last 20 years. The project, which was supposed to help residents of Cospicua, had actually made things worse for them for many years through delays, dangers and the inconvenience caused.”

Mr Mizzi said Cospicua residents have been given what they were promised by the Labour administration. “We promised in our electoral manifesto that we would pull our sleeves up and complete the project once and for all. We delivered. Today is a day of celebration for the residents of Cospicua.”

The Transport Minister said the project was completed ahead of schedule and the costs had not exceeded the project budget.

“The area, which has significant historical relevance, was left to rot for many years. The previous administration dragged its feet on the project and residents were exposed to dangers,” said Mr Mizzi, referring to the case of an elderly woman who had lost her life after tripping on the pavement during construction works some years back.

The Minister said the Dock 1 Project is not the only one being delivered by the government in the three cities area. The holistic €11 million Cottonera regeneration project included rehabilitation works on Dock 1, Xatt ir-Rizq, the St Nicholas and Verdala Housing blocks and the Senglea promenade from Boiler Wharf to the Macina. A Disused area was also transformed into a garden and play area for children.

Leftover money will be used for the rehabilitation of the Gatehouse building, which will house the new police station as from next year.

Mr Mizzi said works had been carefully plan so as to not cause any damages when the British and Knights buildings along the dock are restored in the coming months and years.

“There will be other projects in the future. These include a new parking area in the Santa Margerita area, the restoration of the Santa Tereza and Immaculate Conception churches and the restoration of the band club building facade. We will also restore wartime tunnels that link Xatt ir-Risq to the Vittoriosa ditch.”