One, Two, Three to Go... To the Dogs!

Saturday, 13 October 2012 00:00 GFP Columnist - Joseph M. Cachia
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“Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.” - Albert Einstein

Three corresponding and analogous cases! But the results??

The first…

The Kappara Junction scenario.

The multi-level junction, that includes a flyover, has been in the offing since the early 1990s and MEPA (Malta Environment and Planning Authority) permits for a previous design had already been issued.

Why did it never materialize and now these newer options, opposed by all environmentalists had to be proposed? What part did the Kappara villa residents had in all this?

"The impact on residential areas would be significant…” said the EPD (Environment Protection Directorate) in its objection to the newly proposed project.

The Gzira Local Council objected to the proposed Kappara junction project road passing through their territory. “We feel this project will prejudice the quality of life of residents as well as the value of their private property,” said Gzira Mayor, Roberto Cristiano.

The media, together with numerous local NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), gave their full support to the objections raised be the villa residents. However, this was not always the case tor other localities. Well, being selective may help to keep you safely on the fence.

As the environmental NGOs involved and the EPD pointed out, the pollution is bound to decrease if traffic is allowed to flow freely by the simple development of a fly-over, as motor-vehicles emit more fumes when idling and moving slowly, stopping and starting, as in traffic jams that plague the area especially during the rush hours. Consequently, in this regard, had I been a Kappara villa resident, especially any of those at the lower end of the junction, I would be very doubtful whether to lose a part of my panoramic view or die of lung cancer. Also the serious health hazards to drivers caught in these regular traffic jams should be given priority consideration. Besides which, of course, one must also consider the wastage of fuel, working hours and the constant air and ground pollution.

Now, one must not forget that this is a public interest issue (no private speculation here) and, in spite of which the residents’ objections always seem to have overcome such interest.

The residents got it their way! And it does not seem to change in the near future!

The second…

The Augustine College Scenario

The controversy over MEPA’s refusal to grant the Augustine College a permit to build on a plot adjacent to the college in Pieta was solved by the Government granting of the Medical School building. Ripe and ready!

And it is clear that nobody minded that the government gives this government owned property (i.e. taxpayer property) to this Church School for free? No buying or renting of this property by the Augustinian College.

The residents of the surrounding area had submitted a petition to the prime minister insisting that no permit should be granted. The residents had a right to express their concerns. And no permit had been granted!

Again, the media had their day and carried the residents’ and the NGOs’ views to the full.

The residents were saved by the bell! Or by the government?

The third…

The Birgu Waterfront Hotel scenario.

Here is what one could call a ‘hot potato’, as no Authority, NGO, Member of Parliament, Political Party, Local Council, Church Organisation or any other responsible being would dare to utter one word in support of the residents’ pleas. It is glaringly clear that it is only hypocritical sermons, that we hear from all, especially from NGOs, about communal environment when all are always afraid to ‘burn their fingers’ and look unpopular when the going gets tough.

It was thought that, following the departure of the British Forces from Malta, the Birgu waterfront would once again belong to the local residents. But no, the speculators pounced and took over!

The residences on the western peripheral area of Birgu had the benefit of enjoying open views of the port and the blessing of marine air to mitigate the summer high temperatures. That is to be no more! The building of the Casino and now the looming construction of the hotel are ensuring that the residences would be hemmed in and thus depraved of any light and air they have since, preciously enjoyed. The previously open and airy part of inner St. Lawrence street (you would know it, as it has been dug up for almost 7 years – yes years, no mistake there – and never resurfaced) is now being turned into a dark an airless alley, closed in by the towering height of the atrocious construction enclosing walls of the proposed hotel.

The British colonisers, during their 200-year stay, treated the residents much better and were, at least, more considerate, besides respecting the environment immensely better than us today. They never dreamt of constructing (though they could have, as the residences gave onto their grounds overlooking all on goings) such damaging and hurtful constructions thus blocking off all the residences to the detriment of the environment and the benefit of the residents. In this too, anything to please speculators but nothing in consideration of the needs of the locals! The disastrous result already experienced; no ambulances, gas delivery trucks or heavy service vehicles can gain access!

Urban regeneration is supposed to bring benefit to local communities not a boon to powers that be.

Regard for the residents? Nothing, no consideration whatsoever from anybody and that includes the MEPA. Unlike the two other cases, the local residents here have all been thrown to the dogs! The Birgu residents? Who cares?

Evidently what’s sauce for the goose is not sauce for the gander!

Unlike the previous instances, the voice of the media and the environmental NGOs, here was non-existent.

Why? Why?

Again, unlike the Gzira Local Council, the Birgu Local Council never intervened on behalf of its residents and consequently, both MEPA and land speculators could not be faced with any ‘unpopular decision’ protest. Why did the Birgu LC never intervene on ‘the prejudice to the quality of life of residents as well as the value of their private property’? Are the Birgu residents any lesser than the Gzira people or than any other locality, for that matter?

We shall continue to give back open spaces to our families, as we did with St.Anne’s Square in Sliema, St. George’s Square in Valletta, and the Adventure Park in Ta’ Qali. (Tonio Fenech, Budget Speech 2011) However, these are hollow words for many as this does not seem to apply to the city of Birgu.

But far more worrying and disappointing was the apathy of the Opposition in the face of the distress of the common citizens! What’s going wrong? Why did nobody care to effect a physical visit to verify this plaintive protest and encounter the residents? You would also have noted that, furthermore, a part of the narrow road has also been usurped. Where is my Socialist Party? Are they still at Chambray visiting luxury villas?

‘Fort Chambray is indicative of Government’s attitude towards cultural heritage.’ said Alternattiva Demokratika once. But that’s where the buck stopped! Doubt it if they know where Birgu is!

And what about Labour’s spokesman on MEPA, the Hon. Roderick Galdes? Is he really in the know of what’s happening, though he did actually openly question how certain policy reviews were being made? Will the Cottonera people be impressed or be fooled?

MEPA never even noted that this wasn’t even some kind of church school issue but only one kind of big business.

Could it well be that none of the MEPA board/body members hails from Cottonera, or that none could care less?

And this in the district from where our Prime Minister’s family hails and now from where the MLP leader has chosen as his preferred locality to contest the coming election and be elected with the majority number of votes.

Maybe the Maltese are not imbeciles, but are they fully awake?

Wouldn’t we have greatly welcomed a visit by the Prime Minister or the Opposition leader, following his outing to the luxury residences in Fort Chambray in Gozo and his interest in the development of Smart City?

Would the Malta Labour Party be able to discard the sickening sense of speculative development which is killing all respect towards a cultural and beneficial public significance? Very doubtful!

And this all in the same tiny island of Malta! A European Union member State!! It could be hilarious if it were not so sad!

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde

Image Contributed by Joseph M. Cachia - St. Lawrence Street, Birgu


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