Ghawdix has come out in full support with a recently published “expression of frustration” (see below) at the “apparent disregard for public space in St George’s Square, Victoria.”
The NGO called St George’s Square a “failure of comprehensive planning.”
The NGO argued that “this square has four entrances, all excessively blocked by outdoor furniture which caters for the multiple businesses in the same area.”
Ghawdix highlighted the need for “comprehensive urban planning which is essential for creating and maintaining vibrant, but also inclusive, and well-managed public spaces.”
The NGO insisted that “it’s time to act.”
Ghawdix concluded by stating that:
• “We join in demanding strict regulations and enforcement to prevent unauthorised encroachments and ensure public access to St George’s Square.
• We urge the business community in this pjazza to respect public spaces and consider the impact of their actions on others.
•We call upon authorities to take decisive action to address this and similar cases, and to prioritise the needs of the community and parishioners.”
These problems have been going on for some years, however the situation is getting progressively worse as more bars, cafes and restaurants keep opening in an already overcrowded square.
In fact, in case of an emergency situation it would be almost an impossibilty for a vehicle such as fire or ambulance to gain access.
Back in July 2022 [1], in connection with the feast of St George which was being celebrated in Victoria, Gozo, the La Stella Philharmonic Society and St. George’s Parish, in a joint statement on Facebook, said that the were “having to resort to a public statement in order to appeal again to the authorities and all concerned in order to maintain order in St. George’s Square.”
The statement also urged that they “respect the permits of the feast in such a way that there are no obstacles to the conduct of the marches, the liturgical functions and the safety of the public.”
Above all, the La Stella Philharmonic Society and St. George’s Parish said that they “also expect more respect from some of the commercial establishments within the square for the feast, the artistic scaffolding, the volunteers involved in the same feast and the public.”
File Photo: St George’s Square – copyright Gozo News