The road leading to the Ħaġar Qim temples from Għar Lapsi, which was neglected for many years, will get a €600,000 upgrade using EU funds, Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg said.

Panorama Road is one of a total of 60 rural roads that will be upgraded and resurfaced in the €6 million project. Works will commence in the coming months thanks to a call that falls under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (EAFRD) Measure, said Dr Borg.

Dr Borg explained that he has received a number of requests, both from within his office and Transport Malta, to upgrade the 16,000 square metre road, which is used by thousands of tourists and Maltese alike on their way to the temples - which are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The project will cost an estimated €636,200.

Part of Panorama Road was upgraded under a previous PN administration. The works had included the construction of a 750-metre belvedere but the resurfacing works stopped just short of the entrance to the temples. Tourists coming from the area of Għar Lapsi so far have to make use of a heavily cratered road.

Other roads that will be upgraded through the €6 million project include 12 May Road in the limits of Żebbug and another road in Dwejra, limits of Rabat.

The EU Funds Parliamentary Secretary explained that project is also aimed at increasing and improving accessibility to agricultural land and includes the upgrading of existing farm access roads and passageways.  A number of agricultural roads and passageways have been identified and prioritised for upgrading. Works will be carried out in several localities, including Birzebbuġa, Żabbar, Żejtun, Marsaxlokk, Marsaskala, Dingli, Qala, Mġarr, Safi, Għargħur and Mellieħa.