Over 16 kilometres of newly-built roads were recently opened by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett – both claiming that these are of a “European standard”.

The project covered several localities across the island – Luqa, Zebbug, Qormi, Siggiewi, Mtarfa and Mosta – and was completed in 16 months with funds provided by the fifth Italo-Maltese financial protocol.

Without doubt, anyone who has used these roads over the past few days has noticed the difference when they are compared to the rest of Malta.

Roads have always been a subject of controversy in Malta. Over the years, so-called newly-built roads ended up full of potholes after the first rainfall, and then had to be patched up with the result that their smoothness was lost after the first few months. The digging of trenches to repair damage caused to cables or pipes passing underneath did not help either.

Now it seems that the lessons of the past have been learnt. For one thing, the gravel that was used in the past was not as hard and coarse as the type that has been brought over from Italy for the new stretches that have been built. This means at least 15 to 25 years have to pass before the roads will need to be overhauled again. That said, regular maintenance will ensure that their lifespan is guaranteed.

Of course, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and one still has to see if what the government is saying eventually turns out to be true. What is certain is that an effort has been made to build stronger roads that are capable of withstanding, over a long period of time, the heavy traffic that exists in Malta.

The work does not stop here.

There are arterial roads that need to be seen to. Many junctions need to be reconstructed in such a way that they help the traffic flow better and are safer. The government has already announced its plans to upgrade other strategic roads to the level of those that have recently been completed.

The stretches that have been renovated will serve as a benchmark for how roads in Malta are to be built in the future. What should also be taken into consideration – when other roads are being built – is that the difficulties that were encountered during these last 16 months should be avoided.

First, there should be better traffic management. The alternative routes that must be used while work on roads that are being rebuilt is carried out should be adequate to handle the amount of traffic using them.

Second, the time taken to complete the job must be as short as possible – both to reduce inconvenience and to avoid causing damage to the alternative roads.

Third, the narrowing of main arterial roads, while having a positive effect – as the intention behind this is to make our roads safer, must also take into consideration the fact that accidents will still continue to happen. There must be adequate leeway to allow for traffic to continue flowing, even if there is a bumper-to-bumper accident.

Fourth, the concept of having common service ducts built underneath pavements, rather than under roads, must also be continued. We cannot have a situation where roads have to be dug up because a water pipe has burst.

Fifth, access for pedestrians must also be given priority. Wide pavements are not enough. The construction of overhead walkways or subways needs to be given its due importance.

All in all, we are moving in the right direction. But there is still a lot more to do.