The government is still in discussions to see which financial formula should be applied for the development of the surrounding infrastructure of Pembroke, Paceville and St Julian’s, which is crucial to the construction of a number of high-rise mega-projects in the area.

A traffic impact assessment on the effect the developments at Villa Rosa (already approved) and the db Group’s development on the former ITS site would have on the area, indicated that traffic to the area would increase by roughly 3,500 cars per day, making the development of the tunnel or any other infrastructural plans crucial to City Centre’s application.

So far, the tunnel proposed by db Group, appears to be the favoured option; however, sources close to the government say they are still evaluating a number of options.

It should be noted that the agreement between the government and db Group clearly says that it is the former which should cover the expense.

However, government sources have said that talks are currently taking place on how to finance the construction of the tunnel, and whether it should be db Group itself, all the developers (including db) who are currently reaping the benefits in the Paceville and St Julian’s area, or a joint effort between the developers and government.

The newsroom understands that db is unwilling to bear this expense on its own, believing they should not be the only ones burdened with solving the existing traffic problem in the area, which arguably should be the government’s duty to solve, given the high-risk investment currently taking place.

In it studies, which covered a radius of 3km, db Group found that the creation of a tunnel would be the best solution for the traffic issues, rather than the widening of roads (due to the negative effects it would have on Nature 2000 sites) or other alternatives.

The tunnel would start near the development and mostly pass under an existing road (Mediterranean Street) until joining a planned road, which will be located near the Chinese Embassy, which connects Pembroke and the Coast Road.

It is believed that a roundabout and a flyover will be constructed over the infamous junction with Suffolk Street. Other roundabouts might also be constructed to ease traffic pressures.

Currently, the government has a plan that former infrastructure minister Austin Gatt had proposed, for a tunnel going from the coast road, near the former Forum Hotel all the way to Paceville.

The tunnel was the focal point of a fiery meeting held between the developers, residents and NGOs, who have protested fiercely over the last few months, ahead of db Group’s proposed development of a 37-storey tower, hotel, and 24,000 square metres shopping mall. Graffiti member Andre Callus had raised concerns over the cost of the tunnel, how long the construction would take, and who would pay for it.

That same evening, Pembroke Mayor Dean Hili also said that he could not understand how developments could possibly be approved without the surrounding infrastructure already being approved and constructed.

The project itself has been met with strong opposition, particularly by residents, with the Planning Authority receiving a staggering 4,000 objections, a record number for any project ever carried out in Malta.

 

db CEO dismisses concerns surrounding Harq Hammiem cave and batching plant

Speaking to the newsroom this week, db Group CEO Arthur Gauci dismissed concerns of residents and NGOs regarding the potential damage to Harq Hammiem cave and potential environmental consequences of an on-site batching plant.

Gauci said that the weight of the construction above the cave will have the equal weight of the rock that will be trimmed, and will maintain a 25-metre thickness from the cave. The trimming will also use state of the art equipment to ensure that the cave will be protected from heavy hitting by machinery.

He also pointed to other comparative examples, highlighting that the tunnel prior to Manuel Dimech Bridge currently has significant construction above it despite only having a five-metre thickness between them; and that Ghar Dalam stretches underneath the main road in front of it.

With regard to the batching plant, which residents say is an environmental concern, Gauci insists it will actually protect the environment as the station will reduce waste of resources as well as traffic and environmental pollution.

He insisted that it will also drastically remove traffic related to mix trucks, and will no waste any concrete.