Residents of parts of West Street and St Christopher Street in Valletta have been facing quite a rough time over the past four months – a burst water pipe flooded one reader’s cellar and at least three cars have fallen into a ditch since roadworks started in March.

There could be some light at the end of the tunnel, because the work is expected to be completed “in the coming weeks”, according to a spokesman from Valletta local council, but it is fact that no precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of residents.

The spokesman said he was aware that three cars had fallen into a ditch that had been dug by Enemalta Corporation. One reader claimed, however, that about six cars had fallen into the ditch. “It feels as if we’re living in Baghdad. The place is a dump and our safety is threatened,” she claimed.

The spokesman from the local council said the work had been delayed because of a problem that arose along the way. As part of the surface of the two streets was ripped open, workers unexpectedly found sewage openings and work had to stop for some time so that a decision could be taken on how the work should proceed.

The project involves Enemalta Corporation and the Water Services Corporation fitting new connections. Melita Cable was also involved, as some cabling had to be installed before the two streets are resurfaced and new pavements are laid.

One particular resident was furious after a water pipe burst just outside her house on Friday, 22 June. She had to mop up a lot of water in her cellar and it took Water Services Corporation employees some 20 hours to turn up to fix the broken pipe.

“Water was gushing in, it was unbelievable. And when we phoned Water Services at about 8.30pm they said it would be difficult to send someone that evening since the last shift ended at 11.30pm and they would not manage to repair the pipe by that time,” she claimed in annoyance.

While the pipe was fixed the following day, the roadworks proceeded in the same haphazard manner and the same resident called again to say that yet another car had fallen into the ditch.

You cannot help wondering what will happen next before the road is completely restored, and you also wonder what exactly is meant by the term “in the coming weeks”. The local council spokesman said no specific date could be given for the completion of roadworks. It does make you wonder.