Families, more specifically in the central part of Malta, were in dire need of change. It was years of waiting and waiting and waiting. Sixty years ago, the idea of the Central Link was put on paper and ignored ever since with the consequence of leaving these families in the dark, frustrated on a day to day basis. Personally speaking, I lived through those times as a youngster and it was a drag to travel from one point to another. It was a time wasting experience.
When I ventured into politics, I embraced one sole principal to which I swore to keep my word on and that is to make change. Entrusted as the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, I couldn't have asked for a better and more satisfying role. Now was the perfect time to transform the Central Link idea from paper to reality. We believed in the idea, we took up the challenges and we worked hard to deliver another successful holistic project. We gave a new breathe of fresh infrastructure to these families and improved the quality, safety and sustainability of the main arterial route in central Malta, extending from the Mriehel Bypass, along Mdina Road, through Birkirkara, Balzan and Attard, to the roundabout at the foot of Saqqajja Hill, at Ta' Qali.
The Central Link Project will not just solve the traffic problem and that's it. We didn't stop there. It is true that travel time has decreased by 50% and therefore provided those 30,000 daily users the gift of time but as we did with the Marsa Junction we envisioned the Central Link as another holistic infrastructural project. For one thing, we have increased mobility by introducing the longest cycle lane we ever had in Malta, a total of 4.3km.
People's health remains at the forefront to us and through these capital investments we are seeking to safeguard the people's health. As studies do point out, the Central Link will be reducing particulate matter pollution by up to 66% by 2030, even when considering future transport demand. Similarly, nitrogen dioxide emissions will also decrease by 41%. Particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are the two main pollutants linked to road transport emissions, and a major cause of respiratory illnesses. We covered that and even went a step further. Through the agency Infrastructure Malta we sought to embellish the project with a total of 1,160 new trees and 13,774 new shrubs and plants, hence giving the project the final aesthetic touch.
Malta's infrastructure is heading towards more quality and efficiency to give our families the quality of life they deserve. Our fiery work ethic and commitment towards more growth remains in order to sustainably meet our country's needs, requirements and aspirations both presently and the future.
Ian Borg is the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects
