The owner of a bird park in Salini has filed a judicial protest against the Transport Ministry, Transport Malta and the Commissioner of Police claiming that he has suffered damages and had to sack employees after the Coast Road project blocked off all access to the touristic site.

Kevin Mallia said the bird park is accessible from two roads, both of which have been closed off because of the works, which started in August.

The complainant said he had contacted the project architects and was informed by the lead architect that Transport Malta had issued instructions to keep access to the bird park open. If one of the roads leading to the park was closed off the other one should remain open. However, this was not the case.

Besides, access to pedestrians had also been completely blocked off by a large concrete block. Mr Mallia said tourists, especially those coming from the Bugibba and St Paul’s Bay direction, could not get to the bird park. Visitors, he said, were told by workers to take a 5.6 kilometre detour. The nearby bus stop had also been removed and it was only on 15 October that direction signs leading visitors to the park from another route were installed. Access to the site was partially restored on 21 October.

 

The complainant said this abusive behaviour had left him with no other choice but having to sack a number of employees. He said he had also suffered damages through the negligent behaviour by the defendants. Mr Vella said he is holding the defendants responsible for the damages suffered. The judicial protest was signed by lawyer Robert Piscopo.