Traffic-free road boosts business in Marsascala
The much-needed fillip that Marsascala is yearning for to stimulate tourism in the area was put to the test last weekend with the launch of a pilot project for the pedestrianisation of Triq ix-Xatt.
According to feedback received by the locality's mayor Mario Calleja and the Marsascala Bars and Restaurants Association, the experiment proved to be quite successful with bars and restaurants registering good business as they were allowed to extend their seating areas outdoors.
After further studies and consultations with the various authorities, this initiative could be extended to cover all weekends during the summer months.
Some of the outlets also provided entertainment, creating an atmosphere witnessed in other localities popular with both locals and tourists such as Buġibba and the St Julians/Sliema area.
Coinciding with the project were the Iljieli Skalin activities, reaching their climax on Marsascala Day, September 7.
The activities were spread over a whole week and included a crafts, models and folklore exhibition, variety programmes, band marches by St Anne Band Club, a bowling tournament, a musical evening featuring In-Nafra, Etnika, Ġużeppi Spagnol, the Paul Curmi Dancers and Joe Chetcuti, a vintage car show and a classical evening with the participation of the Amadeus Choir and the Mandy Ballet Academy, among others.
The activities were coordinated by Alfred Debono in conjunction with Godwin and Connie Cini.
To mark the occasion, the council gave various awards including Ġieħ Marsaskala to Marsascala parish priest Fr Martin Micallef and Fr Joe Abela of Żejtun who is well known for his pastoral work in the parish.
Other awards went to Maria Laura Mifsud, Patricia Debono, Joyce Chetchuti, Clifford Chetchuti, Albert Felice and Joe Sant. The council also made cash donations to persons with special needs.
Fr Govann Cefai Camilleri, a missionary in Peru, was given €1,760 raised during a concert held in Marsascala in aid of a clinic being built in Peru. Fr Cefai Camilleri was aslo given a Marsascala banner to be displayed at the entrance of the clinic as a sign of bondage between the two peoples.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Petrol price up 6c
'No need for early election if PM's...
In Discussion
4 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Peter Dimech
Sep 13th 2008, 08:36
Traffic-free road in Marsascala created more havoc than one could imagine. First of all there was no need for this bonanza of a free pedestrian weekend for the promenade in Triq ix-Xatt is wide enough to accommodate both locals and visitors. Since our Mayor is more inclined to satisfy the needs of the Business Community more than that of the residents, organised without consultations this pompous free pedestrian weekend. Contrary to what was reported the Shops and restaurants not only in Marina street but throughout Marsascala suffered great loss of business for it was unthinkable to close both St. Anne Street and Triq ix-Xatt for parking. On hearing that our Mayor if elected wants to introduce this pantomime throughout the summer weekends of 2009, the residents in St. Anne’s street were up in arms with the Mayor and immediately organized a petition. In the past such activities especially when Carmel Mifsud was Mayor were organized with more vigor and warmth that brought all communities together without so much ado. If the Mayor is not prepared to listen to what the residents have to say, there is no other way but to RESIGN.
M borda
Sep 12th 2008, 19:56
boosts business in Marsascala !!!! what about the residents ??? maybe Marsascala Council has interest in buisness not residents . what we got was more traffic and less parking spaces !!!
thank you
J.Spiteri
Sep 12th 2008, 16:58
The council did a good job over this period, we thoroughly enjoyed it, hope the Mayor keeps it up, the only issue during the week the bars/restaurants, do over take the pavements, especially "waterline", must be more control.
Thanks Marsascala Council.
John Fiott
Sep 12th 2008, 16:10
Good luck to the business community, however I wish the council would ensure that the policemen on duty are actually posted at both ends of the one way road - which becomes a two way road for the duration ?
Twice during the last "traffic free" day I was almost rammed by an oncoming car with no warning that the one-way road had been temporarly converted into a two-way one ! For heaven's sake can we at least have a sign put up ?