A thread of emails exchanged between the Transport Malta, the head of the Valletta Rehabilitation Projects Office, the Transport Ministry and TM architects seen by this newsroom show that paving works on Strait Street (between St John Street and Melita Street) are to start as early as next week.

Works will commence as soon as the traffic committee gives its approval and the set date for its approval is today.

Contacted by this newsroom and asked whether he feels the works can impact tourism in the capital city, Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli said they have to be done due to the fact that Valletta will be hosting the title of European Capital of Culture in 2018.

He also said that the works are needed because Valletta will have a prominent role in the upcoming heads of government meeting known as CHOGM set for November.

He said that a meeting was held where all stakeholders were roped in. But although the works are set to start, emails show that there is still uncertainty on whether certain permits have been issued by MEPA, which means that although some works may start in certain parts of the area soon, works on other parts of the above-mentioned streets may take another two weeks to start. It is understood that there are four permits for Strait Street.

Project aimed at breathing new life into street

In May, Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi had said that following the two major projects in Valletta (the opening of the New Parliament and the renovation of Fort St Elmo), the regeneration of Strait Street project would be commencing on 26 May. Mr Mizzi had said that some work had already been carried out over the years to deal with dilapidated buildings in the historically significant street, but the current project was aimed at breathing new life into the street.

Last year, a group of 12 businesses situated along the Strait Street organised the Stretta Festival which celebrated its illustrious past as the island’s vice capital.