A 10-minute walk in St Julian’s this week revealed dozens of health hazards for pedestrians. 

On a stroll from our offices down Birkirkara Road to Balluta Bay and on towards Spinola and Paceville, The Independent Malta spotted multiple hazards created by building sites that are causing traffic jams and blocking pavements and passageways for pedestrians.

On reaching Balluta, one finds then needs to navigate roads without pavements, which means people young and old and parents with pushchairs are forced to walk on the road, with all the dangers that brings.

There is also a large amount of gaps both on the roads as well as on the pavements where pedestrians could suffer serious injury in they are not attentive enough.

Needless to say, we also encountered rubbish bags in the middle of pavements, workmen blocking access to pedestrians, a rusty handrail leading to an algae-covered Balluta Bay, abandoned buildings in disrepair, overflowing waste in a bring-in site and countless other hazards. Not to mention the ugly cranes hanging overhead.

And this is just a stretch of less than two kilometres.

Following the article's publication, St Julian's Mayor Guido Dalli contacted the newsroom to say that while the images do not portray the locality in a positive light, the local council works tirelessly to ensure that permits granted for construction are followed correctly.

"If there is any sign of an illegality, people can contact the local council and we will send a warden straight away," Dalli said. 

To reiterate his statement, Dalli said that this week, the local council will be holding a meeting with residents of Birkirkara Road over the construction taking place in the street. Transport Malta and other relevant entities have been invited to the meeting. 

He also added that the local council understands that more needs to be done and consistently works with the Ministry to improve the current situation.