Msida council clashes with Infrastructure Malta over safety at creek passageway

The Msida Local Council has taken Infrastructure Malta to task over safety concerns at an Msida Creek pedestrian passageway.

Last week, Infrastructure Malta published a statement saying that a health and safety officer found that the pedestrian passageway at the Msida Creek did not meet the necessary safety standards.

Infrastructure Malta said it took action immediately to resolve the problem. It also took action against the contractor, who faced several fines for the work.

However, the Msida Local Council published a statement saying that Infrastructure Malta took action only after the mayor published a video of the dangerous passageway on social media.

The council said it complained several times to Infrastructure Malta about members’ concerns and other complains raised by residents.

“These complaints often fell on deaf ears and were totally ignored by Infrastructure Malta, or a lot of time passed before action was taken,” the council said.

The council said it expects that Infrastructure Malta and the Occupational Safety and Health Authority make sure that the area under construction is safe for pedestrians and motorists.

The statement comes after digging works started in front of the local band club and pedestrian access was closed throughout Triq D’Argens. “This created a serious danger for those walking through this part of Msida,” the council said.

The council sent an urgent complain to the transport minister, CEO of Infrastructure Malta and other concerned persons with footage of pedestrians walking alongside cars to walk up the road.

“It was only after Mayor Charles Selvaggi, together with another counsillor, went on site to see if the danger was still there and uploaded footage of the dangerous situation that action was taken.”

The council said it shouldn’t have to resort to social media to make sure authorities take action on dangerous situations.

“The council’s interest isn’t in fining contractors but in making sure people are safe. Fines don’t prevent incidents or solve problems. Things need to be taken seriously,” it said.