Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg and Parliamentary Secretary for Youths, Sports and Voluntary Organisations Clifton Grima officially inaugurated a project for motor sports enthusiasts in Mtaħleb, in the limits of Rabat.
Minister Borg described Mtaħleb as a place appreciated by several people, both ones who enjoy the tranquility of such places, as well as hill sport enthusiasts. He continued by stating that the Mtaħleb project, a site also known as Miġra l-Ferħa, built by the Italian Military Mission, was a project that put at the forefront the needs of various communities. In fact, the project will be contributing a number of benefits such as: improved accessibility for those who visit this area, a hill which is safer for those who practice the hill climb motor sport because of the installation of 360 metres of crash barriers, appropriate material for the road surface, as well as improved water services.
Minister Borg said that unfortunately, even though for many years it was common knowledge that a part of this road was giving in, no action was ever taken and as a result it became one of the number of roads in Malta which were left neglected for several years. He reminded those present that for the last few years, the hill climb race had to take place in Pennelluin Mellieħa due to the severe state of the Mtaħleb hill.
Minister Borg thanked the Directorate of Roads and Infrastructure for the work they had carried out, and SportMalta for their investiment, as well the organisations which have contributed through productive consultation which led to greater benefits. He urged those who practice motor sports to do it wisely and to prioritise both their safety and the safety of others.
“Today is a great achievement for myself and my colleague Clifton Grima. This government has once again delivered a promise and I am pleased to see this project being enjoyed by the different communities. I look forward to the continuation of our work in favour of a better quality of life for the citizens of our country”, said Minister Borg.
Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations explained that as it had been promised by the government in 2016, all hill climb motor enthusiasts now have an adequate place to practice the said sport. Commissioned by SportMalta with an investment of more than half a million euro, this road has been resurfaced with the appropriate asphalt that is used for this particular sport. This work was done after various maintenance and ancillary work was also carried out so as to enable this road to be used for international competitions as well.
The Parliamentary Secretary explained that as a consequence of long years of neglect, hill climb races had to be shortened and sometimes even cancelled. Now that the promised investment has been made, clubs promoting this sport can start organising such races again. Furthermore, organisers of the Valletta Grand Prix, an event which brings different classic cars from overseas to our country, will have the opportunity to make use of the Mtaħleb hill as well.
“This investment should also be beneficial for promoting this racing sport since enthusiasts now have a decent and deserved site to practice their hobby," said Clifton Grima.