For the second time in three days, drivers travelling on the new Msida flyover had to be reversed along the flyover because of flooding problems, the Nationalist Party said Wednesday.

On 17 January, videos circulating on social media showed a line of cars reversing along the flyover carriageway heading towards Valletta. Yesterday, new footage showed exactly the same situation. This was caused by water that accumulated in the area following the storms of the past few days.

When the Nationalist Party and the Msida Local Council appealed to the Government to first resolve other existing problems - including the skatepark bottleneck and the flooding issue - before continuing with the construction of the flyover, the government refused to listen and proceeded as it saw fit.

Today it is clear that, even in this project, there was no serious planning. Had things been done properly, we would not be seeing lines of vehicles reversing off a brand-new flyover.

If the government truly wants to safeguard the safety of our drivers, it must ensure that when a project is opened, it functions properly in all conditions, rain or shine, the PN said.

The opening ceremony of the flyover has already taken place. One would therefore assume that this means it should be usable without restrictions and in all weather conditions, without posing a danger to drivers.

The PN called on Minister Chris Bonett to ensure that this situation does not repeat itself and to guarantee the safety of drivers using the Msida flyover even during rainfall.

Support to farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen

On another note, the PN expressed its solidarity with Maltese and Gozitan farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen after the severe storms experienced by our country in recent days left significant negative effects on these sectors. Hundreds of farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen suffered extensive damage to agricultural land, loss of produce and serious damage to their structures and equipment.

This has resulted in thousands of euro in losses for an industry that was already struggling to cope with the ever-increasing costs of raw materials, animal feed and other essential inputs. The PN also appeals for simultaneous investment in new infrastructure, such as breakwaters, so that in the event of storms of this kind, our country can provide the necessary protection for the maritime facilities used by our fishermen. 

It is now imperative that the Government and all competent authorities allocate all the necessary funds to ensure that farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen are assisted in recovering and getting back on their feet. These days of severe weather have once again exposed our country's chronic dependence on imported food, highlighting the urgent need to support these sectors so that, as a country, we can be self-sustainable in food production. 

It is therefore only right that our farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen are given the support they deserve to recover and continue sustaining the Maltese Islands, the PN said.