My solidarity is with all the families living in Main Street, Mosta for what they have suffered and are still suffering as a result of the works that have been going on for a long time in the mentioned street.
I hope that the authorities will realise that the residents who live in that area are suffering from health problems as a consequence of the dust, odours and noise which they are being exposed to. In this regard it is worth mentioning the excavation works behind the doors of the residents that has been going on in these past weeks. If the authorities are truly interested in people, they will go knocking on their houses to see a number of cracks left in their walls. In Parliamentary Question Number 499, I asked the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects whether he will consider offering compensation for damages caused to Mosta residents and businesses as a result of the works. In his response, he said many words, but still did not answer my question. After the never-ending response, he asked me to specify what type of damages I was referring to. However, it is good for Mosta residents to know that the Minister stated that: ‘‘The residents and businesses of this road will be enjoying a better infrastructure.’’ What a good response for those who for months have found themselves stuck in their houses, especially our elderly!
It is worth mentioning that the residents who tried to take an action on the damages could not understand who was going to take responsibility for this whole issue. This is because as we saw from the Parliamentary questions, there is an attempt to shift the blame onto the shoulders of others.
A source who spoke to me personally told me that the new works being undertaken on the mentioned road were the responsibility of the Mosta Local Council. The order of new works of construction of culverts was given by the council; in fact the residents received a letter dated 21st May 2022 from the Local Council explaining as such.
In the meantime, another resident spoke with the Local Council and was advised that Infrastructure Malta was appointed to do the original works and that the Local Council simply asked Infrastructure Malta to increase the works on the culverts, which the Council had to pay for. A spokesperson for the council confirmed this and added that the contractor appointed by Infrastructure Malta should be responsible for the works and/or damages. I repeat, and this is why it is frustrating for residents; this is a case of them shifting blame from their shoulders.
Publicly, and in the names of residents, I am requesting a copy of the permit for the original works and the permit for the infrastructural changes which were decided lately. This type of work needs: a new permit issued by the Planning Authority, a pre-works survey conducted by the architect of the contractor of every property found on the street, a commencement notice with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the method statement of how the works will be carried out, and a geotechnical survey or a declaration by the responsible architect stating that there is no need for a geotechnical survey so that in that way, he will be held responsible for any damages sustained by third parties. I would appreciate it if someone from the authorities (in fact I sent this article to the Mosta Local Council and also to Infrastructure Malta) could confirm whether all of this has been done.
Some residents have already tried to contact the BCA and they were told by the desk officer that the works of Infrastructure Malta are considered as ‘roadworks’ and thus BCA are not concerned. The law however should apply in the same way towards everyone.
I also requested a confirmation that the works are covered by the reputable security of the contractor together with Infrastructure Malta and that the damages which occurred or may occur as a result of these works will be covered.
The pavement on the side of ‘L-Isperanza’ Street has been damaged by the machinery used. In this regard I ask again whether the Minister considers granting compensation to the residents who have suffered from these damages. I hope that the Minister does not find any more excuses. In this article and even through a detailed correspondence, I showed him the damages which Mosta residents have suffered.
Infrastructure Malta and the Local Councils should set an example for all the citizens. In order for a resident to bring a cherry picker or a high up, he has to guarantee to the Council that no damages will be caused to the pavement while on the other hand in the case under examination, it does not seem that there are any guarantees. In the case that there is, I am requesting a copy of the guarantee of these works being carried out in Main Street, Mosta.
Finally, I would like to address all of the businesses situated on this road. I do not have to mention why these businesses have suffered, but there is a particular business which I frequently pass in front of and notice the salesman all alone. Like him there are others. There are also some who started their business in the worst period due to the pandemic of COVID-19 and are now facing this disastrous situation. Residents of the area know exactly what I am saying.
I hope that this does not remain a case of blame-shifting and that, with respect to the residents, a solution is found as soon as possible and we do not keep throwing beautiful words which lead us nowhere.
Ivan Bartolo is a PN MP and the party’s spokesperson for social housing.