Roads Resurfacing
THE RE-SURFACING OF PART OF FOUR MAJOR ROADS IN MRIEHEL IS NOW COMPLETE. THE RESURFACED AREAS INCLUDE TRIQ IN-NEGOZJU, TRIQ IS-SALIB TAL-IMRIEHEL, TRIQ SAN GWAKKIN AND TRIQ L-IMPRENDITURI. THESE STRETCHES OF ROAD WERE THE MOST WORN OUT WITH THE ROAD SURFACE BEING EXTREMELY BUMPY AND BROKEN DOWN.
The investment of €330,000 was carried out over a series of late afternoons to minimise traffic congestion. In total 2,042 tonnes of tarmac was used and the area re-surfaced is circa 4,272 square metres.
The area known as Triq is-Salib tal-Imriehel is the last to be re-surfaced because on the day the tarmacking was to commence, Enemalta informed the Mriehel Foundation that a high-tension cable was to be laid. This hampered tarmacking plans but it was yet another opportunity for the Foundation to plan with other entities when major works in Mriehel must be carried out.
This re-surfacing work will be followed by a series of markings and signage to minimise traffic contraventions in the area.
Over and above the re-surfacing works, Triq in-Negozju will also get a concrete hard shoulder upon which cars may be parked.
Now Transport Malta is doing the necessary checks to ensure that the quality of the tarmac is according to specifications. In areas where the grade is not met the tarmac will be re-laid.
The Foundation will now be looking at other opportunities to re-surface other roads in Mriehel where the wearing of the tarmac is deteriorating fast. Concurrently, the Foundation will be monitoring the potential mis-use of roads because heavy plant and equipment damages the wearing course of the tarmac prematurely.
Interview with MR PAUL ABELA
PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL RETAILERS AND TRADERS UNION
GRTU – GENERAL RETAILERS AND TRADERS UNION – ASSOCIATION OF GENERAL RETAILERS AND TRADERS – IS MALTA’S NATIONAL ORGANISATION OF INDEPENDENT PRIVATE BUSINESSES. WITH OVER 7,000 MEMBERS COMING FROM 12,000 DIFFERENT BUSINESS OUTLETS, GRTU REPRESENTS THE LARGEST GROUP OF RETAILERS OF GOODS AND SERVICES, CONTRACTORS, DISTRIBUTORS, WHOLESALERS AND INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.
GRTU represents Maltese traders and retailers on various national for a including the Malta Council for Economic Development, the Planning Authority, the Advisory Board of the National Organisation, the Fruit and Vegetables Board, the Commission for the Self Employed, the Council for Consumer Affairs and the Traffic Control Board.
HOW WAS GRTU INVOLVED IN THE FOUNDATION?
The GRTU was approached by Projects Malta and informed about the plans the government and the founder and chairperson of the same Foundation, Mr Louis Farrugia, had with regards to a Foundation to change Mriehel as we know it. GRTU was asked for its assistance to reach all businesses, in particular small businesses. My appointment on the foundation came as a proposal from government and therefore I am today a member of both the administrative board and the executive board of the foundation in Project Malta’s name.
WHAT IS GRTU’S ROLE ON THE FOUNDATION AND WHOM DOES IT REPRESENT?
GRTU has undertaken to see that the interest of small businesses is not prejudiced or that they would not be disadvantaged as compared to large enterprises in the area of Mriehel. As President of GRTU I see my position as very clear. My position and mission is to represent and give a voice to small businesses in the area and today I can already say that this has worked. My contribution in the Foundation in this regard is already bearing fruit because I am carrying out the role I have been entrusted with according to my experience as President of GRTU.
HOW IS GRTU BEING OF BENEFIT?
GRTU was already instrumental in securing a deal for small businesses to exempt them from paying their contribution to the Foundation for the first 3 years. This is of course of great help because they will benefit from the work of the foundation without GRTU – GENERAL RETAILERS AND TRADERS UNION – ASSOCIATION OF GENERAL RETAILERS AND TRADERS – IS MALTA’S NATIONAL ORGANISATION OF INDEPENDENT PRIVATE BUSINESSES. WITH OVER 7,000 MEMBERS COMING FROM 12,000 DIFFERENT BUSINESS OUTLETS, GRTU REPRESENTS THE LARGEST GROUP OF RETAILERS OF GOODS AND SERVICES, CONTRACTORS, DISTRIBUTORS, WHOLESALERS AND INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. having to be financially burdened by it for the first years. Being the official representative of small businesses, GRTU is contributing with its expertise and will continue to work to ensure that the area is adequately maintained and the promised improvements take place so that businesses operating from within the area can feel proud to be operating in an atmosphere that encourages entrepreneurship and professionalism.
GRTU is the bridge between small businesses and the Foundation and will continue working to ensure that the Foundation delivers the best results for large businesses and small businesses in the area alike.
