On the other side of the fence

I refer to the centre pages appearing in the issue of The Times of January 20, referring to the works at Hastings Gardens.

Hastings Gardens falls under the responsibility of the Valletta local council and the whole project, expected to cost more than Lm250,000, is being carried out by the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure in collaboration with the council. The project is co-financed between the Ministry and the council.

May I point out that the gardens have been closed due to major works and although it may well be true that the project has taken a considerable amount of time, the works involved are by far more than a simple embellishment project and thus justify the duration. It is normal that working sites closed to the public, both those operated by the government and others by private contractors, create some inconveniences and within the site some construction material can be defined as "rubbish".

Hastings Gardens is one of the largest public gardens in Malta, after the Ta' Qali National Park and the largest garden in Valletta.

The project has a number of phases including:

1. The works on all the perimeter wall of the garden which was dangerous to life and limb and which is more than 350 metres long.

2. The restoration works on the fortification line, which covers half of all the western side of the Valletta fortifications;

3. The rebuilding of a gardiola (the sentry post).

4. The excavation of the old material, laying of all services and the concreting of the paved areas within the garden extending to over 6,000 square metres.

5. The paving and landscaping of the garden, which is double in size of Piazza San Gorg, Palace Square, spreading on different levels.

6. The lighting of the garden and installation of garden furniture.

7. The garden will have more than 1.2 kilometres of walking paths.

As to the concerns raised in the same report, that the site is full of concrete, it was confirmed by the architect responsible for the design and layout of the garden that the ratio of walking paths and landscaped area has been retained.

Hastings Gardens is currently closed to the public as it represents a site of upgrading works and restoration by employees within the same Ministry. It is also incorrect to state that workmen do not attend to their job. Regular visits to the garden indicate that works are making good progress, by a team of men well-led to do the job. It has to be pointed out that the work being performed by Ministry employees is of good quality and of high standard.

This is due to the fact that the paving material being used needs specialised workmen and when it comes to restoration works, not only specialisation but also dedication. This can be clearly appreciated in the illustrated photos which Pamela Hansen failed to include in her article.

On completion of the project later on this year, residents and visitors to Valletta will be proud to have another garden fit for the City, similar to the Upper and Lower Barrakka, giving further amenities to Valletta. These two gardens were also upgraded by the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure.

Hastings Gardens will be a new breathing space for recreation.