Unsightly Sliema kiosks to be replaced

The unsightly kiosks on the recently-embellished Għar id-Dud promenade in Sliema are to be replaced after almost 60 years.

The Tanti kiosks will be replaced by a green structure similar to that which has already been in place for a number of years at Fond Għadir, following approval by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

The kiosks, considered by many to be an eyesore, are owned by two brothers and are situated on each side of Għar id-Dud. It is understood that the owner of the third outlet along that stretch - the Red Devil Kiosk - has not yet filed an application to replace his kiosk.

While confirming that Mepa had issued the permit, kiosk owner Martin Tanti explained that the application to replace the structure was filed several years ago but always found some form of opposition. He said their first attempt took place in the 1960s.

The kiosks, which cost an estimated €140,000 (Lm61,000) each, will be in line with designs and specifications approved by Mepa. Mr Tanti said that all the existing structures will be discarded and it will take between two and three weeks to put up the new kiosks.

Mr Tanti said the embellishment works carried out at Għar id-Dud last year, had proved to be excellent for business.

"We doubled our work because, whereas before, people used to walk between the Torri and the Fortizza, now people are walking all the way. The Malta Tourism Authority also gave us chairs and tables. Many tourists who come to Malta every year saw a great difference.

Had we not done so well last summer, we would not have even considered investing in the new kiosks," he said.