The Msida Local Council is urgently requesting a meeting with Infrastructure Malta following the agency’s announcement to proceed with the controversial flyover as part of the Msida Creek project. In a statement released on Tuesday, the council expressed frustration over waiting weeks for a response regarding the meeting request, which remains unanswered.
However, Infrastructure Malta has responded, clarifying their position on the matter. They stated that on September 19, just weeks after the appointment of their new CEO, Steve Ellul, the technical team from Infrastructure Malta met with the Msida Local Council to discuss the full scope of the Msida Creek project. Infrastructure Malta emphasized that consultations, discussions, and planning have been ongoing since 2020, with several contributions and suggestions from the Msida Local Council incorporated into the project. The CEO also highlighted that following these years of dialogue, the first phase of the project will commence in November 2023.
Infrastructure Malta notes that the project has been approved by the Planning Authority after going through extensive consultations and tender evaluations. The project is set to benefit the Msida and surrounding communities. The final approval was issued on October 12, 2023, by the Planning Authority Board, with no appeals against the decision submitted during the designated appeal period.
Despite opposition to the flyover from the Msida Local Council, Infrastructure Malta insists that the project will go forward as planned. The €38.5 million redevelopment aims to eliminate traffic congestion by constructing a new flyover and removing traffic lights, thus easing bottlenecks between Msida and Ta’ Xbiex to Valletta. The project also includes a 300-meter canal to reduce flooding and the creation of a public open space in front of the parish church.
While the Msida Local Council supports the overall project, it has consistently opposed the flyover. “The council is committed to protecting the interests of all Msida residents,” they reiterated, emphasizing their commitment to continue advocating for the well-being of the community. The council had also put forward alternative proposals, such as a public park in place of the busy junction.
Infrastructure Malta, however, pointed out that the flyover design has been carefully planned, with sound barriers and green spaces considered as part of the overall project. They further stressed that approximately 60% of the space previously occupied by the junction will be transformed into a public open area, benefiting the local community by creating a new central hub.
This project, which was first announced in 2019, has undergone multiple redesigns to address community concerns. As work is set to begin next month, both parties continue to emphasize the importance of ensuring the project benefits the residents of Msida.
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