Cospicua council to boycott public garden opening

A 55,000-square metre patch of wooded land in Cospicua has been transformed into a beautiful recreational area.

The Cottonera Garden, built in the midst of a nursery, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi on Sunday. It is expected to breathe new life into the area and provide a safe environment for people to enjoy. The garden, in what is known as Il-Mixtla ta' Bormla, is intended to strike a balance between the wooded land and the number of squares that dot the zone.

An area covering 7,600 square metres was paved and not only were the existing trees kept but 400 others were planted to retain the image of a nursery.

Over 1,000 metres of passageways link the squares and are accessible to everyone. About 13 gazebos have also been set up to provide shade from the summer sun, together with over 80 benches.

The garden includes a playing area where children can escape to in safety while their parents take a stroll and relax.

However, a statement issued by the Cospicua local council has cast a shadow over the new project. It expressed its regret that the government had changed the name to Gnien Kottonera instead of retaining Il-Mixtla ta' Bormla.

The council said that while it looked favourably upon the project it was disappointed at the lack of consultation. It also felt insulted at the "lack of respect" shown by the government when it sent the council the same invitation it had sent to all the households. "The council is the protector of this garden. However, it is being treated the same as the residents who, to a certain point, were not involved in the project," it said.

Hence, the council has decided to boycott Sunday's official inauguration and "the majority of societies and Cospicua residents are doing the same".

When contacted, a spokesman for the Resources Ministry expressed surprise at the statement, saying the council had been consulted throughout.