60% of one of the largest infrastructural projects on Gozo’s roads is now complete, said Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri during a visit to the ongoing works along Marsalforn Road,
He said the road is one of the longest and most important arteries connecting Victoria with Marsalforn with a total length of 3.5 kilometres.
Minister Camilleri noted that Triq Gorg Pisani, Triq Patri Gacintu Camenzuli have now been opened and form the new bypass that connects from the outskirts of Victoria directly to Marsalforn.
He added that the work on the main road that leads from Victoria to Marsalforn ”are progressing well and expeditiously. Many new underground services have been changed or newly installed, we are also continuing with a number of other services along the entire stretch of this 3 kilometre road. Other sections of the road are being opened after laying tarmac on a number of lanes so as to allow traffic flow towards Marsalforn. We will continue to work so that by next summer the road will be almost complete, providing a better route to Marsalforn.”
The Minister expressed his thanks to Din L-Art Helwa who are working hand in hand [1] with the Ministry so that a number of trees were not only saved but also replanted, a number of mature trees were saved and a substantial amount of trees will also be planted along Marsalforn Road so that the main feature of the road is retained and enhanced, that of having two sides with trees.
It was explained that Marsalforn Road is being provided with several new services, including water and drainage, a new water service for farmers, a new way of managing rainwater and a new lighting system to accommodate the increase in demand for Marsalforn.
This project is being carried out with particular attention to the environment and archaeological sites in the surrounding area, with a plan that protects existing trees, integrates new green spaces and reduces the impact on the natural land, the Minister said.
It is also being carried out in collaboration with Din l-Art Helwa, and is focusing on the balance between development and the environment. Around 300 mature indigenous trees will be planted along the road, while more than 200 other trees will be saved.
Daniel Cilia from Din l-Art Helwa Gozo explained how at the ”insistence of the Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, many trees were saved in addition to the hundreds of new trees that will be planted in Marsalforn Street.”
He said that ”this will ensure that Marsalforn Road will be more attractive than before, with many more trees than it had.” He concluded by thanking Minister Clint Camilleri for the collaboration with Din l-Art Helwa in order to reach this agreement.
The first phase, the Gorg Pisani bypass, with a length of half a kilometre, was opened to vehicles last November, and is drastically reducing the need for vehicles to pass through the centre of Victoria. This also includes a new bridge over the Karawendi Valley, new storm water structures and the preservation of an old quarry that has been converted into a rainwater reservoir.
The Minister said that work is underway on three areas of the road, simultaneously, to keep the project moving at a rapid pace. ”In the area of ??the Capuchin Church, a total improvement of the junction is being carried out, including new pavements and green areas to create a more organised and safer public square.”
Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri concluded by saying that ”Marsalforn Road is at an advanced stage of reconstruction as part of an infrastructural improvement programme being carried out in Gozo.”
Photos: DOI