Even though the work is aimed at improving the image of the area, residents and entrepreneurs have complained that it is more than they can bear. They said they have had to endure piles of construction waste, pieces of wood and all kinds of other debris.

The shop and restaurant owners complained that their businesses were non-existent since people hardly get anywhere close to them due to the piles of rubbish and dust.

Elia Zammit Street is a classic example: with students attending the language school in the vicinity, this street has mounds of debris and, even worse, deep potholes which pose a danger for everyone who passes through the road.

Rather than the project in itself, the residents and businessmen complained about the way the project was being carried out.

And to these comments, a spokesman for the Resources and Infrastructure Ministry said that the ministry is proud that it is responsible for a project which

is ahead of schedule. The spokesman said that the project will be completed by June.

“This is a question of suffering today but gaining tomorrow. I understand that the residents and the business community are suffering inconveniences. However, this is a good project (progett ta’ kiesah) and when it’s all over, they will pat us on our backs, thanking us for it,” the spokesman said.

Asked why vans and cars were allowed to park on the pavement in the newly-paved roads, the spokesman said that the ministry knew that damage was being done, adding that from now onwards, it will keep a lookout to minimise the damage as much as possible.

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