The work, which is being carried out by three private contractors and government employees, will see around 13,000 square metres of roads covered in new paving which has been imported from Sicily.

The city’s 20 small, narrow streets and three main streets will all be paved, as well as the two main squares. Visiting the work yesterday, Resources and Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit said the project began in May and should be completed in a year. Before the paving began, all services, including electricity, water and telephone and cable television wires, were routed underground, removing once and for all the eyesore of hanging wires which can be seen in Valletta and various Maltese

villages.

Even though new paving is being laid, there are no plans to fully pedestrianise Mdina. The local council is responsible for issuing permits for cars to drive into the city.

Mdina’s mayor said the council is at present looking at detergents it can buy to use to protect the new paving.