A contractor has been given specific instructions by the Tourism Ministry in connection with trenching works for Enemalta Corporation in a tourist zone where there are several hotels.

The ministry did not say where the tourist zone is, or how long the works would take.

It said it intervened as soon as it got to know about the works, to ensure that the inconvenience to hotel operators and residents was minimised, and added it was insisting that hotel operators should be advised beforehand when major works were going to start in their vicinity.

According to the ministry, the contractor is to ensure that there should be access for residents and people servicing the hotels, the area is to be kept clean while the works were in hand, and that clear direction signs be put up in the works area.