Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party said on a visit to St Paul’s Bay today that its elected candidates in the forthcoming local council elections will work to have more accessible public spaces.
Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “It is ironic that whilst egoistic lobbies such as the squatters in Armier and hunters and trappers occupy public land, public spaces in various localities are either lacking or inadequate. Whilst we acknowledge that some public spaces have been improved, this is definitely not the case in others. The election of green councillors in the forthcoming local elections will mean that accessible public space will be given priority. Green councillors will also make sure that public land is truly accessible to everyone and not to specific lobbies or business interests.”
Simon Galea, AD local council candidate for St Paul’s Bay, said, “It is important to make best use of the restricted number of open spaces. The project being undertaken by St.Paul’s Bay Local Council in conjunction with Thalasselejn Bocci Club is an example of proper utilisation of such a limited resource. An area previously serving as a playground is presently being dug up in order to make way for both an indoor semi basement bocci pitch plus a play area at street level. Such initiatives deserve to be commended and should be extended to other open spaces. Public land presently serving as parking areas once redeveloped can provide a recreational area at street level plus other facilities underground such as parking and water reservoirs intended to serve as rain water catchment areas.”
“While recognising the need of developing such open spaces it is also important to properly maintain. Unfortunately upkeep and maintainance need addressing. Factors contributing to the poor state of some open areas include both negligence and vandalism. Resources invested in such open spaces should be better protected against vandalism through installation of cctv cameras.” concluded Simon Galea.
Andre Vella, AD spokesperson for Community Development and Youth and local council candidate for Balzan, said, “Considering the problem of overdevelopment in Malta, open spaces become even more important for our communities. Open spaces can serve as a mitigation effort against flooding and provide the opportunity for respite and recreation, leading to an improved quality of life for the people. Moreover we saw the recent anti-smoking laws being enforced in playing fields by local wardens. This is a positive measure to ensure a safe environment for children free from passive smoking.”