An idea to roof over Marsa's Triq Diċembru Tlettax to create an open space and connect the two sides of the locality has been deemed unfeasible by Project Green, The Malta Independent has been told.

In its electoral manifesto back in 2022, the Labour Party had pledged to study the possibility of carrying out a project which would see Triq Diċembru Tlettax - one of Malta's main thoroughfares - roofed over in order to create an open space on top which allows for the two sides of Marsa to be connected by more than just the present two bridges.

Nothing has been heard since on the possibility of the project, until now, as a Project Green spokesperson told The Malta Independent that the project "is not technically viable."

"As promised in the government's electoral manifesto, Project Green commissioned a comprehensive study to assess the feasibility of roofing over Triq Diċembru Tlettax, with the aim of physically connecting the two sides of Marsa," the spokesperson told this newspaper.

"After evaluating the existing topographical conditions and the requirement to maintain a minimum 5-metre clearance for vehicular access, it was determined that such an intervention is not technically viable," the agency said.

The only feasible alternative to increase connectivity between the two sides of the locality would have been the introduction of an additional footbridge, the spokesperson said.

Connectivity across the site is already provided through both a vehicular and pedestrian bridge at Triq il-Marsa, and is set to be further enhanced by the ongoing upgrade of the existing Triq San Tumas footbridge.

"As a result, the best option is to enhance the existing connections through green infrastructure interventions. This approach aligns with our sustainability objectives and avoids unnecessary duplication. This proposal is currently under discussion," the spokesperson said.

The initial idea for roofing over Triq Diċembru Tlettax was inspired by the long-held idea to roof over Regional Road, close to the Santa Venera tunnels, to create a green space on top which will connect Santa Venera.

The project was first mooted way back in 2018 by Environment Minister Jose Herrera, having been part of the PL's 2017 election manifesto. In 2021, Herrera's successor Aaron Farrugia said that the project was still on the cards, and it was included in the 2022 manifesto.

But since then there has been no progress at all.  In April 2024, the then Planning Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that the project will happen - but neglected to provide a timeframe for it, and in November 2024 Miriam Dalli told Parliament that a Cost Benefit Analysis was being carried out to determine the project's feasibility and whether the private sector should be brought onboard.

That cost benefit analysis has now been concluded, with the spokesperson telling The Malta Independent that it had evaluated "evaluate various financial models that could be adopted for the implementation of this project, helping to inform decisions on its funding structure and long-term viability."

Asked for the status of the project, Project Green said that it has "ordered a detailed Ground Investigation Report and carried out a revised design that introduces multifunctional spaces above the tunnel while preserving the original scope, that of an open green space at the top level."

"Consultations with key authorities have identified several technical and regulatory requirements, particularly related to tunnel safety and EU compliance under Directive 2004/54/EC. To ensure the right expertise, the procurement process has started to engage a tunnel engineer to lead the technical aspect of the tunnel," the spokesperson said.

As for timeframes, the Labour Party's 2022 manifesto had promised that work on the project would begin in this legislature - but The Malta Independent has been told that works won't get underway anytime soon due to roadworks in Msida.

"While Project Green is committed and preparations continue, the project cannot proceed in the immediate due to high risks of overlapping with the complex Msida Creek infrastructure initiative, risking negatively affecting traffic management," the agency's spokesperson told the newspaper.

Another one of the Labour Party's seven major projects pledged in the environmental section of the general election manifesto was to surface an area along the Birkirkara valley as a green park with a rainwater catchment system. 

No details about the project have been made public since, but asked about its status by The Malta Independent, Project Green said that a preliminary proposal had been presented to key stakeholders, including the Birkirkara Local Council, the Energy & Water Agency and the Public Works Department.

A traffic impact assessment is currently underway "to evaluate the implications of the proposed intervention," Project Green said, adding that it had also initiated a study to asses any flood risks.

"The study will help to define the technical parameters and feasibility of the project. The outcomes of these assessments will guide the next steps and ensure that the project is developed in line with environmental, infrastructural, and regulatory requirements," the spokesperson said.

Project Green said that it currently has a planned portfolio exceeding 120 projects with a value of over €350 million for 2026-2029.

As part of this programme of works, the agency has recently published 23 tenders amounting to €34 million, which include San Anton Gardens, Pinetum Floriana, and other major projects such as Fgura District Park and the Mqabba Family Park.