Government on Tuesday has formally marked the completion of works in the Mosta square regeneration project, primarily carried out by Infrastructure Malta.

Work on the square was completed months ago, but the official opening was held on Tuesday, a few days before the local council elections. Mosta is a hotly-contested locality, where the balance of power shifts between one election and another.

At the inauguration, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that this ambitious project and other completed projects have the primary goal of benefiting the community.

The project, which also received assistance from the Tourism Authority and the Planning Authority, included paving, a rainwater collection system, and the renovation of sidewalks in part of Constitution Street, with durable materials.

Additionally, the area was resurfaced with asphalt, and the square was made more accessible to people.

During the inauguration of the project, Abela praised the courage of the Mosta Local Council for undertaking this project.

"We also need to have the courage to bring about change while listening to the community," Abela said, stressing the importance of engaging in more dialogue with the Mosta community, particularly regarding traffic management and challenges, which should be a priority for the new Mosta Local Council.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Local Council would find support from the government.

"I believe the Local Councils must be the protagonists who fulfil the aspirations of our citizens and be at the forefront of the government's efforts to empower every citizen," he said, also noting that this project will be complemented by the ambitious project by Project Green, for a green and open space just a few steps away from the square.

Transport Minister Chris Bonett explained how this enhancement will have a positive impact on the daily lives of residents while thanking everyone who was part of this extensive project, involving the coordination of many entities.

"The work on this square is not isolated but is part of a broader government strategy aimed at revitalizing local communities. This is similar to work underway in various other squares, where we are bringing life to localities around Malta and Gozo by increasing pedestrian zones in the hearts of villages, improving access for people, and creating a better environment," Bonett said.

Mosta Mayor Chris Grech said that the project addressed passing traffic, the parking system, and air pollution that choked this square from Monday to Sunday.

"We have given back to the Mosta residents and visitors a beautiful square through a regeneration project," Grech said.

This same square has been the subject of criticism when last November, the old Ficus trees present at the square were ‘butchered,’ and were set to be uprooted and transplanted elsewhere, after the local council hastily announced their removal, as part of a €250,000 landscaping plan for the general area.

Activists and residents managed to stop the uprooting of the trees during a protest at the square. Labour mayor Grech had announced the reversal of the decision.