Good planning is essential

What were once villages surrounded by countryside and gardens are now stone, concrete and tarmac labyrinths. Open spaces and recreational areas are few and far between. At every opportunity we must be more creative and in the few remaining unbuilt areas, even within development zones, we must create spaces where people can relax and socialise, away from the congested roads they live in.

A few days ago some residents of Triq Iz-Znuber and Triq il-Ponsjetta, in Attard (an area on the periphery of the village, leading on to Triq Annibale Preca, in Lija and bordering the San Anton private gardens on Triq San Anton, Attard) contacted us regarding a proposed development by the Housing Authority in the last remaining fields in the area (case number PA00922/04).

To make things crystal clear, the area is inside the development zone and we are obviously not against the building of housing units per se. What we are asking for is good planning and the provision of open spaces, recreational areas and pedestrianisation. In other words, we are asking for a community-friendly project. Most of the residents of the area are young, these people and the people of Attard and Lija deserve more open spaces and traffic-free areas.

Opening roads, one cutting through Triq Iz-Znuber and the other into Triq San Anton, while destroying an olive grove surrounding a small farmhouse and necessitating the demolition of part of the San Anton kitchen garden wall, will attract traffic into the narrow streets and alleys of Lija and Balzan and accelerate the degradation of the village cores. Traffic should, as far as possible, be deviated away from village cores and not attracted into them by widening and building new roads.

We suggest that the whole project be designed around a square and be totally pedestrianised. Instead of crowding as much housing units as possible into the area, the project should also include public multi-purpose courts (say for tennis, volleyball etc.) and a playing field. The olive and carob trees in the area should be incorporated into the recreational areas or square. It would be a shame if all the greenery is destroyed and replaced by more tarmac and concrete!

Our suggestions, if implemented, will certainly improve and enhance the quality of life of the young people living in the area and the new residents once the housing units are occupied. The area in question is also prone to flooding. The project should include underground reservoirs to collect rainwater which can subsequently be used for irrigating public gardens.

We sincerely hope that these suggestions are taken up by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the Housing Authority. Good planning is essential if we are to have healthy communities.