Pembroke Mayor Kaylon Zammit has defended a proposed pedestrian crossing on St Andrew's Road, saying the project is necessary to improve safety along one of the area's busiest roads, despite criticism.

In a statement on Facebook, Zammit said that the application for the pedestrian crossing, which is currently before the Planning Authority, will lead to safer and less hazardous access for the entire community, particularly for the elderly and children who cross the heavily trafficked road on a daily basis.

He said that the investment by Infrastructure Malta is being made because it is genuinely needed by the community, noting that the application was submitted following several considerations, as well as dozens of requests from residents themselves for such a crossing.

Zammit acknowledged that in a democratic society there may be differing opinions and criticism regarding the project.

However, he said that the Pembroke Council has always prioritised residents' safety and considers the project important to provide easier and safer access for residents, as well as for the thousands of students who attend educational institutions in the locality.

While the Council has taken note of the criticism surrounding the proposal, Zammit said it cannot allow the current dangerous situation on St Andrew's Road to persist.

He added that the council does not want to risk ever being responsible for a fatal incident that could have been avoided simply by opposing the project.

On Wednesday, the Swieqi Local Council expressed its serious concerns regarding planning application PA 1595/26, which proposes the construction of a pedestrian footbridge along St Andrew's Road, connecting Swieqi with parts of Pembroke.

While the Council fully supported the principle of improving pedestrian safety and connectivity between communities, it strongly believed that such proposals must be properly planned, transparently communicated, and developed in close consultation with all stakeholders; particularly the affected localities.

The Swieqi Council said that it was not consulted by Infrastructure Malta prior to the submission of this application, despite its obligation to do so, and only became aware of the proposal through social media.