“Can you stop planning application 05324 immediately on behalf of the residents?”
It is one of the most candid parliamentary questions ever. Former Sliema mayor and Nationalist MP Robert Arrigo has asked Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett to withdraw plans to redirect traffic inbound from St Julian’s and Gzira to pass through Tigné, which will render Bisazza Street completely traffic-free.
The plans, part of a Malta Transport Authority (ADT) proposal, will also lead to a reduction in parking spaces and eliminate a small public garden down at the Ferries.
The Sliema local council, led by Robert Arrigo’s wife Marina, recently approved alternative traffic plans drafted by Labour councillor Martin Debono, which includes a public piazza on reclaimed land – while the ADT wants to turn the Ferries into a simple roadway leading inside the luxury Midi project in Tigné.
Mugliett has however made it clear in his reply that he will not withdraw the application.
“The application reflects the proposal to direct traffic and to build new roads in Tigné. It puts together the various proposals whose implementations will take place in various sages.”
The minister promised that the ADT is still open to the suggestions of residents and the commercial community.
But despite his earlier call on the minister to withdraw the permit, Robert Arrigo is now satisfied by Mugliett’s reply.
“As minister Mugliett rightly said, the various interests of all residents and visitors must be integrated into one. The Strand’s town core will remain… I agree with the phased process that has proved us right, much to the dismay of the alarmists who love creating havoc.”
But Arrigo made it clear that the ADT plans are not cast in stone. “The government has shown, and will continue to show, the utmost importance to the residents of all over Sliema, and it will consider their legitimate points as always on various occasions. This plan is only a first, and not cast in stone, and any traffic deviations will only be done if ultimately done at all, after proper, full and direct consultations.”
Asked why he had asked the minister to withdraw the application, Arrigo replied that this particular PQ was just “one of over 300 questions tabled so far” by him on behalf of residents.
“Having represented residents since 1994 when I was elected as the first Sliema mayor, keeping in touch with the residents is fundamental.”
He also welcomed work connected with the first stages of the ADT plans. “People must have noticed that this year saw the refurbished promenade in Ghar id-Dud, and at present the pavement of Tower Road, what we call ‘Joinwell side’, is being redone with all the services.
“Next in line is the resurfacing of the same road. Until such time that works are ready, a limited inconvenience has to be borne. To accomplish such projects in phases is important, and this shows the government’s continual presence in collaboration with the local council.”
Arrigo condemned the ‘alarmism’ over the deviation of traffic into Tigné: “This is both uncalled for and premature. With an obvious political agenda, some people have taken this opportunity to criticize a job so far well done.”
He claimed this issue was only being raised because the Qui-Si-Sana car park matter was resolved after the Prime Minister promised that no commercial development will take place in the car park.
“With the car park issue becoming a non-issue now thanks to a direct dialogue, some politicians must keep the Opposition’s fire burning in the Qui-Si-Sana area. Qui-Si-Sana is one of the PN’s major troublespots in the 10th district,” Arrigo said.
In the past local elections many of Qui-Si-Sana’s angry residents either stayed at home or voted Labour or AD. But MaltaToday is informed that Arrigo is making his utmost to garner support in this area by taking a different position from that adopted by government ministers.
Still, Arrigo is also careful to distinguish himself from the opposition. “My way has always been that of dialogue rather than confrontation; bridging rather than alarmism; and discussions rather than shouting.”
jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt