Part of the Balluta promenade was closed this morning as a precautionary measure after Infrastructure Malta architects found that the structure, built in 2003, was insecure, Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg said in a comment on Facebook.

The area is in front of the Balluta church.

Borg said that the Department of works is collaborating with the St Julian's local council and other entities to investigate what led to this situation, while also conducting works so that this structure of columns and arches above the sea is fixed and strengthened.

The minister said he has ordered inspections of all the structures around the promenade, despite them occurring regularly.

In response to questions by this newsroom, Infrastructure Malta said that it is committed to the ongoing monitoring and testing of the country's land transport infrastructure to ensure that it can safely meet the requirements of all road users.

"The indicated structure is located in a road currently entrusted to the town's local council. After inspecting the indicated pavement and the underlying supporting pillars, beams and arches, built in 2003, Infrastructure Malta informed the St Julian's Local Council to assess the condition of these structures. As a preliminary precaution, the agency also collaborated with Transport Malta and the Works and Infrastructure Department of the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, to temporarily close off the indicated area until further tests are carried out and any necessary remedial action is taken."

"Infrastructure Malta is offering its full support to all entities involved in this process, to continue ensuring the safety and sustainability of the country's infrastructure."

 

Photos by Alenka Falzon