2 comments so far.The Disastrous State of Victoria’s Playing Field
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Vicor Galea, AD spokesperson for Gozo, added: The scene is one of complete chaos. Broken glass litter the floor even under the swings; bags, containing refuse and other dangerous material, left to rot under the trees for months on end; damaged electric lamps and wires left unrepaired for years! The ramps are almost impossible even for non wheelchair-bound persons to negotiate.
Such a state of utter neglect which Gozitan residents, Maltese visitors and tourists alike are facing should also be condemned by all those in authority who shoulder the responsibility not only for safeguarding the health and safety of the citizens but also for doing all they can to boost Gozo’s image as a showcase model for attracting the discerning ‘quality’ tourist, thereby enhancing the tourist product and creating more job opportunities for Gozitan youth now and in the years to come.”
Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson and EP candidate, said:” The playing field, lying in the very heart of the city of Victoria, has been neglected for years despite many complaints. Such a state of affairs is nothing less than an insult to all those Gozitans whose sole interest is to seek the common good of their island and who are not ready to cover up the mistakes and neglect of those Authorities and politicians who are paid from our taxes to work for the welfare of the country as a whole and not for partisan interests. Above all, such carelessness is an insult also to all those families with young children, who, by right, should be provided with facilities for relaxation and recreation in a clean , safe and healthy environment.”
Arnold Cassola concluded by saying: “Alternattiva Demokratika fully supports the Mayor and Councillors of Victoria, who, for the last three years, have been pleading for the transfer of the responsibility for the Garden from the Government to the Local Council. We are convinced that the Rabat Local Council have at heart the real welfare of the residents and no one else can do a better job in the transformation of the present disorderly mess into a beautiful garden and modern playing field, to be enjoyed by all Gozitans and visitors to this unique Gozitan capital city.”
Photos available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/alternattiva
Videoclip from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSGRLE8iSTE
We have been coming to Gozo for over 20 years and each time have noticed how bad this playground is getting, especially as it is so near to the centre of the City where all the visitors alight from buses and park their cars. Originally it was a pretty little park with an icecream parlour and cake stall with nice seats and umbrellas and it was very attractive. Now it is just an ‘eyesore’. We agree that it is now an urgent matter for the park to be restored properly or get rid of it all together and just have planting only. DO NOT BUILD ANOTHER SHOP OR APARTMENTS ON IT GOZO HAS ENOUGH THAT ARE STILL EMPTY. We also recommend that the seats are replaced in the main park next to the Duke as this park too is badly in need of restoration.
It is indeed a great pity that this area has been so neglected over the years. It was never exactly “spic and span”, but when the little kiosk was open at least it was relatively clean and tidy. One could sit in the shade, get something to eat and drink and the kids could play safely.
I am afraid I tend to make a detour around that area because it is such a mess, so seeing the video was quite a shock!
The flowerbeds around the bus terminal are always full of rubbish, the bins overflowing, the public toilets are disgusting and as can be seen from the video the playground is anything but a playground, except maybe for drug addicts and drunks. I simply do not understand what goes on in the heads of the authorities who are responsible for Gozo. Do they not realise that the majority of tourists walk down this street either on their way back to their tour buses or to use the public buses or park their rental cars? What must they think of us?
This little park could be an absolute gem, a green oasis to pass the time while waiting for a bus, a comfortable place to rest ones feet after having walked through the quaint alleys in Victoria or up to the citadel, or just to have a breather on the way to the car park. A place to read a book while the kids have fun on the swings. It is surely not so difficult or costly to repair and renovate this area. It would probably cost much less than ten minutes worth of firework displays!
It is time that the Ministry for Gozo starts actually doing something for Gozo at long last. An eco-island is certainly not made up of broken glass and rubbish.
Of course, there might be plans to turn the whole area into apartment blocks or a new shopping centre – both of which Gozo needs like a sore head!
Come on dear Ministry for Gozo make Gozo something we can be proud of!