Part of the Kirkop tunnel where works have not been completed. Photo: Jonathan Borg
Ongoing resurfacing works along the Kirkop tunnels cost a motorist dear as he ended up with a hefty repair bill for his vehicle.
Oil leaking from Victor Pisani’s car and the exact spot where his car was damaged.The incident has prompted Transport Malta, which is carrying out the work, to launch an investigation.
Victor Pisani, 70, from Santa Luċija contacted the Times of Malta to express his bitter experience which happened yesterday, at around 9am, when driving his Volkswagen Golf towards Malta International Airport.
“Midway through the tunnel I heard a loud noise and the car jolted. When I pulled to the side just outside the tunnel exit to inspect the car for any damages, I noticed a thick black pool trickling from the engine,” he said.
“It transpired that the oil sump had sustained cracks when driving over the change in surface levels between part of the road which had been scarified in preparation for resurfacing and the rest which was several centimetres higher,” Mr Pisani said.
To his frustration he noted that when he phoned the police to report the case, the officer declined to take his details, on the grounds that it was not clear if the incident happened in Luqa or Kirkop.
An aggrieved Mr Pisani noted that he was not the only “victim” of the shoddy roadworks.
“While waiting for the tow truck to arrive, there were at least five other vehicles which suffered damage, ranging from punctures to dented wheel rims,” he said.
Some hours later the Times of Malta visited the site and, bar a small notice outside the tunnel on the Kirkop side, there were no signs indicating that drivers should slow down.
There was also no reference to the work on an electronic sign at the tunnel entrance. Contacted on Wednesday, a Transport Malta spokesman confirmed that an investigation had been launched.
“On Wednesday morning, our architects ordered the contractor to carry out remedial works and prepare for the new asphalt in the coming days,” he said.
“Commuters who may have suffered any damages due to these difficulties should report the incident to the police, and inform Transport Malta’s Customer Care Section. All reports of damages will be duly investigated,” he added.
Meanwhile, work being carried out at night is expected to be completed later this week.