Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds and Social Dialogue Aaron Farrugia announced the approval of around €140 million in European funds for road and maritime infrastructure.
Minister Borg said that Malta is currently experiencing infrastructural work which goes on day and night, and said that this work puts the quality of life of Maltese and Gozitan people as a top priority. He said that the European funds which have been approved will be partially financing the infrastructural projects of the Marsa-Ħamrun Bypass, the Marsa Junction Project, Buqana Road, the Central Link Project and the Santa Luċija tunnels.
Minister Borg said that infrastructural works are not only being completed ahead of deadlines and limiting inconveniences, but as a result, the ministry is also offering immediate solutions which go beyond medium and long-term ones which are also being planned and implemented by the ministry. He stressed that more remains to be done and explained how the Santa Luċija tunnels project will continue complementing the projects on the principal route that government is working on. He also spoke of the Central Link Project and said that in spite this project receiving criticism "from those who chose not to understand the needs of people living in the surrounding areas, this project, the country today has clear evidence that this project is also desired by the people, as the Social Impact Assessment has shown that more than 70% of Maltese and Gozitan are in favour of it."
"Government is committed to deliver what has been promised - meaning infrastructure that befits our country. Infrastructure is a pillar for the economy of our country and it is our duty not to forget about it but rather to look at how to get it up to a higher standard", said Minister Borg.
Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds and Social Dialogue Aaron Farrugia explained that transport infrastructure is a key element in the performance of the Maltese economy. Considering Malta's insularity and limited modes of accessibility, investments in the TEN-T network are an important investment for the overall plan for Malta's strategic development, he said.
"With the help of EU funds, investment in this sector is supporting ports infrastructure, which plays a fundamental role in both transport and Malta's sustainable economic growth", said Aaron Farrugia.