Speaking during the adjournment in parliament yesterday evening, parliamentary secretary Edwin Vassallo complained about the state of the roads in Mosta and called on the authorities to change Mosta into the tourist village it was, rather than an area resembling a missile-hit Baghdad.

Mr Vassallo, who was elected on the Mosta district, explained that there is an ambitious project currently under way in Mosta. He said the project, which would have been ideal for the village, had been stalled for two consecutive days.

He wondered who was responsible since the residents were suffering and their representatives – the local council – were practically silenced. He questioned whether it was the council, the Water Services Corporation, the government or the Malta Transport Authority who was responsible for the project. “I hope these get together and solve the problem soon because many tourists visit Mosta on a daily basis,” he said.

Mr Vassallo said he had serious doubts whether most of the project would be ready for the village feast in August. He also commented on the potholes, adding that the dug-up road is very dangerous.

During his speech, Mr Vassallo also spoke about the Ta’ Qali project and the number of people who had not signed the contract with the government. He said these people staged a protest in Ta’ Qali yesterday to complain about the manner in which the government was treating them. He said he understood their preoccupations, denying that the government would carry out a project only if they paid for it.

He pointed out that the present Ta’ Qali tenants were given first preference throughout the discussion on the project and wondered why the tenants were complaining about the proposed project when the prices were extremely competitive.

Mr Vassallo said various promise of sale agreements had already been signed and urged the remaining tenants to join those who had already accepted to join the new Ta’ Qali village.