Greening Sliema

The quality of life of Sliema residents has always been given the importance it deserves by Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party. One need only mention the Fond Ghadir victory, where through AD's determination, this public beach was safeguarded from private appropriation.

During the 1990s, Dr Harry Vassallo's role as local councillor helped safeguard Sliema from such development, and also helped bring about various improvements.

For the upcoming Sliema council election in March - which I shall be contesting as AD's candidate - there are a number of Green Party proposals to ensure the best for Sliema.

Sliema residents' major worry is parking. This has become an everyday nuisance and the locality is begging for a solution.

One improvement in this area would be the introduction of a parking scheme that gives priority to residents, based on the scheme introduced in Victoria, Gozo, where non-residents would be obliged to use temporary parking in congested areas. This will help create more parking space for residents.

Another improvement would be the thorough revision of the reserved parking scheme that is in operation in Sliema. Many residents ask legitimate questions why Sliema tops Malta in reserved-parking areas.

The Green Party is promising that only people who truly deserve such a right, such as the disabled, should be entitled to it. Other people who for no legitimate reason are enjoying this privilege should make way for fairness.

The introduction of a circular bus service by Sliema council is praiseworthy. Another improvement would come through the introduction of bus departures from the Strand to Valletta.

Many people are discouraged from using public transport because it is practically impossible to board a bus from the Sliema seafront - bus numbers such as 62 and 67 would already be full by then.

Another improvement - helping reduce traffic flows - would be the introduction of circular and shuttle public transport services to and from localities such as Gzira and St Julian's. Similarly, the ferry service to and from Valletta deserves more support.

Sliema residents are also deeply concerned about the ongoing construction projects in their locality. Many feel powerless when they face inconveniences caused by some contractors. They have no point of reference to forward their complaints.

For this reason the Green Party is proposing to give priority to this issue, maintaining our clear stance in favour of residents' rights.

Within the local council we shall work in favour of strict enforcement, through which stoppage of work would be proposed if building permits are violated.

We will also fully oppose any proposed relaxation of height limitation of buildings as well as the development of open spaces such as il-Pjazzetta in Ghar il-Lembi Street.

Green representation on the Sliema council would also help enhance civil society participation. As Greens we strongly believe that participation of various stakeholders can only benefit society.

Social and environmental NGOs, sports and cultural organisations, and activities for children, youth and the elderly will be given the support they deserve.

Similarly, we are proposing that stakeholders such as civil society organisations will be consulted in decision-making processes.

Civil society participation will also be enhanced through the creation of more car-free open spaces. We are supporting the creation of pedestrianised areas in the Sliema town square project as well as the pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street and other areas, in full consultation with Sliema residents.

This will help bring about more safety to the elderly, families with children, residents, consumers and workers. Pedestrianisation helps increase civic activity and is also beneficial to the business community.

At the same time, AD is also giving priority to Qui-si-sana residents in their legitimate concern regarding increased traffic flows along the seafront should pedestrianisation come into being - the Green Party is opposing the proposed development of a car park at Qui-si-sana.

Through the introduction of waste separation within households, in full co-operation with Progett Skart, Sliema residents would be making their contribution to help Malta bring about the waste management strategy it deserves.

The Green Party is fully committed to help bring about a breath of fresh air within Sliema, promising to work with all those with positive ideas, reducing partisan pique.

The locality's residents deserve the best solutions to help safeguard their quality of life.