Fgura, the so called modern polluted residential area, sounds like the antonym of history, and such a perception will simply increase if we do not take care of the few historic remains that the locality still ‘enjoys’.
One of these is a grade three farmhouse situated adjacent to the main road near the Fgura cross. In 2000, a small road abutting to it was mysteriously passed from the Lands Department to a private entity and some years later (following application PA04358/03) a boundary wall was built around it; hiding the historic farmhouse, and leaving the site in a derelict state. As far as I know, no maintenance is being done on the farmhouse, and while today the area is a spot for every imaginable activity, I am wondering if the owners are simply waiting for it’s collapse as to make space for more empty flats.
This farmhouse has a great potential, mainly because of its position and history. May I propose an idea as to transform a derelict graded farmhouse into a sustainable project that aims to boost community life. While the area on the back side of the farmhouse can be developed by the owner (maybe in a small shopping complex and office spaces), the government and the local council can buy or rent the farmhouse and transform it into a NGO’s house, which different NGOs can rent at a nominal fee.
Such a project will help the locality’s newly formed NGOs and groups, incentivise more people to become active citizens and foster an appreciation of what is local. As to make the project sustainable, part of the farmhouse can be developed into a cafeteria and the adjacent road can be transformed in a public garden as to provide residents with healthier leisure spots.
My hope is that a genuine discussion is triggered, a proper investment in community life is given and that past mistakes are not repeated in the name of development.

Gavril Flores
Fgura

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