Road works aggravate sewage troubles in Marsa

Road works at December 13 Road have aggravated sewage troubles in a low-lying part of Marsa, and the local council is threatening legal action over the matter.

Rains which took place in the small hours of yesterday morning saw sewage seep through Triq Patri Feliċjan Bilocca and into households. The street leads from December 13 Road to the Holy Trinity parish church.

The rains – and the overflows – may have subsided by then, but the foul smell of sewage was still very much evident yesterday afternoon, when mayor Francis Debono held a press conference over the matter.

The mayor pointed out that a similar situation had occurred when the last significant rains occurred a few weeks ago, but back then, the council decided to give those responsible a chance to sort the matter out quietly. But the council’s and residents’ pleas have been ignored, Mr Debono lamented.

The road works are taking place to build a tunnel leading from December 13 Road to the Menqa area in Marsa, which would increase accessibility to the Waterfront in Floriana.

Mr Debono said that the council did not object to the project, but pointed out that Transport Malta had assured it that the project would solve the sewage troubles which intermittently affected the area.

These promises appear to have been broken, he said, and the council is now ready to take legal action to protect its residents’ interests.