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I refer to MaltaToday’s report about the news conference organised by the San Gwann local council on the 23 August regarding the MEPA application 3992/04 for the development of a kindergarten at ‘The Loft’ Triq il Virdun, Kappara, a street located next to the Regional Road.
The following are some important points that I would like to bring to your readers’ attention.
The application for change of use clearly indicated that it is only the basement that is to be used as a kindergarten; the other two floors of the property are to be retained for habitation purposes. The classroom area consists of 128 sqm. and according to the guidelines for this particular kindergarten, that caters for children up to 6 years, the maximum number of children should not exceed 25.
There are about 2000 residents in Kappara. Between 60/80 signatures were collected from the whole of Kappara for a petition. These signatures were collected under false pretences, as prior to the signing of the petition, a note, delivered by hand indicated that all the property is to be converted into a kindergarten. Moreover the persons signing the petition clearly do not live in the immediate neighborhood. Some live on the other side of Kappara closer to a much larger school, others live in a cul-de-sac several hundred meters away from the property, others in secondary roads that are not affected.
A point which the local council has raised is that “the application for change of use, was a first step in the direction of further expansions, and such permits are simpler to obtain.” This concern can easily be overcome by the competent authority, issuing a permit with a strict condition, that no extension whosoever would be permitted.
The council is indicating it has nothing against the opening of schools in San Gwann, but not in Kappara. I ask the council, are the Kappara residents, superior in some unknown way? Does the property in Kappara devalue more than that in San Gwann? Is there a hidden agenda? Could this be snobbism?
Why is it, that in this area, stores are permitted and for example a clinic and offices are acceptable. Do these activities not generate traffic, noise?
Where else in the opinion of the objectors, do we teach our youngsters community relations, if not in a community? Are we supposed to teach them community values outside the said environment?
When looking into the project with the correct perspective, the property falls within the parameters and requisites of various authorities. The location is within 80 meters from the Regional Road; it is located in a wide road (part of which is as wide as the dual carriage way of the Regional Road) where there is ample parking, if necessary.
The kindergarten will have access for persons with special needs. It will operate under all EU health and safely requirements, use alternative teaching methods with appropriate apparatus, air-conditioning, special flooring in some areas and appropriate play areas. A study of the impact on the adjacent property, location, suitability of premises, traffic generation and car parking for staff and school van is underway and is providing valuable information. This kindergarten, will offer premium facilities paired with excellent teaching practices.
I leave it to your readers to judge the situation and feel that the time has come to consider the approach with sensitivity. This is nothing more than a social requisite in to-day’s society, in line with EU standard requirements for such kindergartens and with no ulterior motives.
Joe Farrugia
Kappara
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