I would like to clarify some points which were raised at a press conference addressed by the Hon. Charles Buhagiar regarding the traffic situation in Mellieħa.
1. I as Mayor of Mellieħa did not take any decision to make Gorg Borg Olivier street one way while works were being carried out on the Mellieħa By Pass. This decision was taken unanimously by the 7 councillors of the Mellieħa Local Council in the presence of TM, GRTU and MHRA.
2. It seems very odd that the labour party decided to hold this press conference after that the same issues were discussed during the council’s meeting held on Wednesday 11th July. During this meeting it was unanimously decided to hold a meeting with the competent authorities. It was agreed that this meeting was to take place the following week. It is crystal clear that the Labour party is taking advantage of the decisions of the Mellieħa Local Council and in a childlish manner, it is trying to take credit for the council’s work.
3. I would also like to point out that TM kept its word and made sure that one lane was opened for traffic in the Mellieħa by pass on the 15th June. What is creating this situation is the fact that motorists, which also include motorists driving heavy vehicles, are not obeying the signs displayed on the affected roads.
4. The council was always informed that,
since this project would take a considerable time to be completed, it was inevitable that works had to be carried out also during summer months.
5. The Mellieħa Local Council has put traffic management on its agenda during the last years and various initiatives were taken in this regard.
The Mellieħa Local Council is determined to keep holding discussion so as to reduce to a minimum the inconvenience caused by such big projects which in the future will provide better roads and better quality of life.
Robert Cutajar
Mayor