Steve Compagno, Fgura
The beneficial presence of trees
I would like to confirm Alfred Grech's comment (June 11) about trees in our country.
I cannot but agree with Mr Grech's argument that "Streets with trees look much nicer and we'll be also enriching our environment". I invite Mr Grech to take a look at two particular roads where I live: Żabbar Road and Hompesch Road, in Fgura. They are simply naked and ugly without any trees.
More than 10 years ago, ficus trees, planted there, were massacred, chopped to make way for the new pavements and were never replaced. One can understand the argument that some of the trees were uprooting tiles, with some roots making ways into residents' homes and causing damage. One understands that such trees were perhaps not the adequate kind of trees to plant in pavements. Yet, more than 10 years on I am still left in awe as to how the local council never took an interest in replacing those trees with others such as the olive. These trees can withstand any conditions in pots (if they are given enough care). One good example is the Msida local council - it seems that they have made it a mission to place potted trees on wide pavements. Knowing that they have a lot of traffic, they are trying to decrease the effect of pollution even if by a fraction by planting potted olive trees where possible.
For years I have had several childish (if not pathetic) arguments from local council members regarding my plea to place potted trees in the above-mentioned streets. Some arguments range from lack of funds to fear that trees' twigs might get into people's eyes (as if we have many people who are more than two metres tall!).
True, there were cases where hibiscuses (a plant not a tree) were stolen but one has to keep in mind that they were only saplings, which were so easy to pull out.
Another argument that is many times used to sweetly place a hand over my mouth is that there "are trees in pots already". Little do they know that they are called "shrubs", which are completely different from trees and one can easily count them on the fingers of both hands.
In the annual general meeting, the public was invited to make suggestions and so I made my proposals for the nth time. I did all my research - got a lot of information about where trees could be purchased from and how much trees and pots cost approximately (some thanks to Msida local council for their help). I sometimes wonder if those papers have been read or not.
May I remind residents that Fgura (and Żejtun) have one of the highest respiratory problems in the world - please note I say the world and not Europe (Jason Bonnici and Martin Balzan - Respiratory Health Survey of Fgura and Żejtun - Maltatoday August 12, 2001). So not only will these trees improve the horrific aesthetic state of the two roads in question and provide shade, but they will also absorb a considerable amount of pollution released by cars that pass through these arterial roads.
So while I cannot but agree with Mr Grech's letter, my appeal is one: that the local council of Fgura give serious attention to my comments (and many others who are silent) instead of ignoring this very important issue.
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Sally Stellini
Jul 22nd 2008, 20:55
Steve you are 100% correct! We need more greenery in our town. People suffering from various allergies are sure to benefit if there were more trees and less pollution. We should all join forces to make our hometown look greener.
Charles Chetcuti
Jul 18th 2008, 22:43
Well done Steve. Your are correct in your writing. We need our TREES back as soon as possible for the sake of our environment.
Alistair Farrugia
Jul 18th 2008, 12:49
Stephen,
I can't help but agree with the contents of this letter, you are right to point out that our village is one of the worst polluted villages in the world. I remember the shock I experienced when I read that news item myself!
As regards having you on our Local Councils, I agree with Mr. Gauci's comment, but I guess that depends on whether or not you would want to take up the challenge. In case you do, my vote will head your way, irrespective of any colour (if any) you take up in the process. From what I know, Mr. Compagno is a gentleman and his research should not be ignored, but rather, acted upon. We need trees, if only to start mitigating the negative effects of our behaviour!
Ronald Zarb
Jul 18th 2008, 00:43
I agree that Malta will benefit with the planting and maintaining of trees. They will provide shade , cultivate the soil, beautify the landscape, provide oxygen and will be a home to wild life. In Israel, which is a country with similar climate as Malta, trees are planted as a form of remembrance of the dead and the living. Jews from all over the world are asked to donate a tree as a symbolic gesture to their heritage. It would be just as nice if Maltese who reside in foreign land be asked to donate a tree to Malta.
Alfred Grech
Jul 17th 2008, 22:06
I have seen the streets that you mentioned, Mr Campagno and they would look much much nicer if trees are planted on both sides of the roads.
In Canada, when a new street is opened, trees are planted automatically and immediately. Wherever you go, it's green. In Malaysia, the beauty with the greenery is breathtaking not to mention that the trees provide for our health and cut down the heat in summer.
Perhaps something similar to what had been organized in Mellieha can be organized by planting trees on wider sidewalks around Malta.
I urge the central and local council governments to give trees a priority in their schedules and in their budgets. It's a good investment that pays big dividends.
Marie
Jul 17th 2008, 21:29
Well done Mr. Compagno…the local council should better take factual actions and not only be the first one to appear on TV during elections.
Karl Serracino
Jul 17th 2008, 16:08
The Maltese streets are so bare and unattractive without some greenery. This is an environmental issue and the authorities should consider this seriously to embellish our inner core villages and streets.
Studies proved that children who live in tree lined streets have lower rates of asthma - Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
http://esciencenews.com/articles/2008/04/30/tree.lined.streets.mean.lower.rates.childhood.asthma
jacqueline chircop
Jul 17th 2008, 15:15
i agree we need more trees!keep it up mr compagno.
Gavril Flores
Jul 17th 2008, 14:52
I agree with you Steve. In Fgura there are records Ashma problems and being overbuilt left very few green areas. Some time ago the local council started plating trees in secondary street corners, but it seems that this project is now on the far side. What I also suggest is a campaign for people to plant trees in their own small gardens. This can be subsidized from EU and FLC and the project will have no mantainance costs. On the other hand the planting of trees at wied bladun was an excellent initiative, hope that this wasn't just a pre-election thingy!!
steve compagno
Jul 17th 2008, 14:33
Thanks guys! I would really appreciate it if you actually send what you said to the Times to be published! I've been working on this thing for years and at no avail! Please write and support me on the Times :) Steve
Ronnie Gauci
Jul 17th 2008, 11:36
Well said Mr. Compagno, I live in the same area as he does and I cannot not agree with him. Trees not only embellish the environment but also provide us with decent breathing air, which in the Fgura area lacks a lot.
Persons like Steve Compagno should be elected in our local councils not the usual benchwarmers.
John L Gatt
Jul 17th 2008, 10:37
Good on you Steve Compagno
I fully agree 100% with your remarks.......Shame that your Fgura Local Council do not think the same as you and many others who also live in that area.
Trees beautify and also help our environment.
Good Luck !
John