The three projects had been submitted to, and were later approved by, the Planning and Priorities Coordination Directorate within the Office of the Prime Minister.

A fourth project for the reconstruction and upgrading of Marfa Road in Mellieha was approved by Cabinet as a reserve project.

Commenting on the approval of these three projects, Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett said: “Government is tackling the upgrading of Malta’s primary road network by implementing a proper long-term strategy that makes full use all the funding opportunities that the country is presented with in a cost effective manner.”

The planning and design stage of two of the projects selected, namely Hal Far-Malta Freeport and Victoria-San Lawrenz, has entered the final phase and tenders for the construction of these roads will be issued towards the end of September, with work expected to start on both projects before the end of summer 2005.

The third project, which will involve the assessment, design and execution of repairs to the Manwel Dimech bridges on Regional Road, will be phased out.

The first tender for the engagement of experts will be issued towards the end of August. Following the adjudication of this tender, the experts will carry out an assessment of the current state of repair of the structures as well as defining and designing the plans for the reconstruction needed. This stage is expected to last around 10 weeks.

A second tender for the actual execution of the work needed will then be issued. Since the work has to be carried out on two separate structures, it can be phased so as to minimise the impact on traffic travelling this route.

“Work on these projects is expected to start next year, even before the current roadworks funded under the fifth Italo-Maltese Financial Protocol are scheduled to be completed”, said Mr Mugliett.

“The European Regional Development Fund projects will be an important stage in the process that will bring our primary road infrastructure up to the standard you would expect in a modern European country.

“The change for the better has started and government will be making sure that it keeps this momentum going. Naturally, we are also committed to upgrading our distributing and residential roads, since all roads have a direct impact on our quality of life,” Mr Mugliett concluded.