Valletta to be greener despite removal of Castille trees
The government is to plant 10 trees in Valletta for every tree just removed from in front of the Auberge de Castille, Valletta Mayor Alexei Dingli has said.
Four trees have been removed, fully exposing the spectacular façade of the auberge for the first time in generations.
Mr Dingli said up to 40 trees will be planted in Valletta, mostly in Hastings Garden.
He explained that the decision to remove the trees was taken after one of them was damaged by wind and another was showing symptoms of disease.
“The city achieved a double deal out of this. The façade of Castille is completely visible again, and Valletta will become greener,” the mayor said.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Rescources Ministry said a clean-up of the facade of the building and the Merchants' Street and St Paul Street sides is due to be taken in hand in the coming months.
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P Sultana
Jan 9th 2009, 16:48
I'll believe it when I see it. I'm tired of promises.
John F Borg
Jan 9th 2009, 16:24
Apperently in the past in the area in front of Castille place there were a lot of silos (fosos), as in Floriana and in front of St Elmo. Aret these now buried under rubble? Has anyone thought of restoring this square to its former splendour?
Brian Fenech
Jan 9th 2009, 13:20
Of course it will be greener, just wear some green shades and that's it, everything will be so green! Does the authorities thinks by any chance that we are all disillusioned? Come on, you've killed every single green area around Malta, if you look at it from a plane, you think you're landing in IRAQ!
C.R. Taliana
Jan 9th 2009, 09:40
What about the residential areas of Valletta? Why do we always mention the administrative and commercial areas only? What about the citizens?
victor vella
Jan 9th 2009, 06:31
@D Stellini Do you mean that mound of rubble full of rats? Do you remember the palm trees removed to accommodate that monstrosity?
@Alexie Dingli Keep it up and ignore sore throats .
@ I Galea I bet my bottom Euro that you are as red as a commie, you have the Mintoff mentality, do you for 1 simple moment think that any oranges would end up in hospital? U il hdura mhux Kastilja qedgha imma f qalb certa nies li ghadhom ma ammettewx it telfa eletorali , so please leave us in peace and if you want greenery go to Buskett.
philip pace
Jan 8th 2009, 08:42
We shall see in a years time.
tony portelli
Jan 7th 2009, 20:52
Please when are those trees at IT-TOKK square in Victoria Gozo going to be cut down like those of Castille,cause when one is passing under neath them at night-time ,you will end up full of bird`s dropping and the smell and dirt on the ground is an unpleasant sight.
lgalea
Jan 7th 2009, 20:06
j Borg
Can you blame them for being barefaced?
John Borg, Julian Borg
That's why I suggested Orange trees which should be kept well pruned.
No but every little bit helps. Isn't that what we are being told about energy saving?
D Stellini
Don't you dare touch the FREEDOM Monument.
a attard
Jan 7th 2009, 19:23
....nice sounding press release with impressive figures. Any dates when this cermony will be taking place - and one hopes that it wont be 40 arbuxelli - since we have the habit of calling bushes trees too........
j Borg
Jan 7th 2009, 18:36
It seems that our politicians love BARE facades.....Trees are for the tree huggers irerspective of their age...next in line will be those surrounding St John's cathedral..excuse woudl eb that they are damaging the place and the birds are littering the surroundings!
John F Borg
Jan 7th 2009, 17:48
Planting of trees in sensitive areas of archelogical importance, such as Mdina, Valletta and similar sensitive places should be taken with caution. Whilst I am in favor of planting as much trees as possible all over the island, it is usless to plant trees, especially certain type of trees in places where damage could result.
Some trees' roots reach deep into the ground damaging foundations, water cisterns and anything on their path. The appropriate plant species and the use of devices which control the roots should be considered. Obviously it goes without say that these are monitored frequently.
When the planting of trees in the ground is not advisable, the use of pots should be considered. These are easily moved and replaced as and when needed. Trees planted close to the bastions, in hastings could also do a lot of damage in the long run. However I am sure the mayor has already considered this and other issues in this regard.
C.Camilleri
Jan 7th 2009, 17:32
Anyone who has been to other countries can verify that there are no trees hiding the facades of historical buildings. The people who built Castille never had in mind any trees to hide the beauty of their work. It is pity that the square in front of this magnificent Auberge is spoiled by the monument of M.Dimech. This Auberge deserves a big square on its frontage similar to other monumental buildings in our European countries. Labour has a penchant of doing such things. The monument in front of St. Lawrence Church Vittoriosa is an other example of how to ruin the facade of such a historical building.
Julian Borg
Jan 7th 2009, 17:01
@ J Farrugia
'the site is bare and not a pleasant site'
I suggest you go and have your eyes checked. If the facade is not a pleasant site I wonder what is. The Knights designed Valletta with all its beauty and never planted trees outside the auberges so I think they know best. It just feels sad reading such comments
@ I Galea
As if we are going to feed the people oranges with two trees in front of Castille
Can't we accept that the facade is much better without trees? Why can't we accept simple facts?
Joe Cassar
Jan 7th 2009, 16:56
@ Mr I Borg
Why do we always have to do what others do?
It may have slipped your notice, but we have been independent/free since 1964 (or 1979 if you prefer) and can think for ourselves.
Cgatt
Jan 7th 2009, 16:55
Congrats to all concerned ! We can finally appreciate once more this architectural gem. Now can we please complete the plan originally mooted by the previous mayor Borg Olivier and get rid of the palm trees surrounding the Manwel Dimech monument. let us have greenery by all means but let us not hide our architectural jewels.
Giulio Cauchi
Jan 7th 2009, 16:51
I don't mind more greenery in Valletta or wherever - the more the better. What I don't like in Castille and wherever is the Maltese equivalent: more "hdura".
D Stellini
Jan 7th 2009, 16:32
Well done. Should remove the Palm Trees on the Roundabout and re plant elsewhere. These palms were first planted in the seventies which were OK while the were a metre high but now they have grown too large and obsucre our view of such a magnificent building.
And all those yapping against their removal , have probably not been to Valletta to see the new look.
Furthermore even in countries such as Austia and Switzerland etc tree are removed to make way for a new ski run. So its really no bog deal removing a couple of trees, while tens of thousands of trees have been planted in Mellieha.
I would also suggest to remove the "presepju" in Birgu. It is such an eyesore. Ironically the Freedom monument would be more visible if it was at street level, and exposing the beautiful church behind it. Go on Mr Boxall, your town must be among the best kept in Malta .Go for this initiative. Pretty sure even Joseph Muscat will agree.
Vittoriosa has become so much sought after, and the yacht marina has been the cherry on the cake. Re design that horrible base of a monument.
K. Serracino
Jan 7th 2009, 15:51
Hopefully these trees will not be planted by the bastions. These may cause irrevocable damage. Go round the ditches/bastions and one can easily note the damage incurred.
carl schembri
Jan 7th 2009, 15:40
@ Igalea
"That would add a touch of greenery (not that there is any need for it at Castille since it has more than enough at the inside) "would you mind explaining this sentence please.
Chris Ebejer
Jan 7th 2009, 15:27
The Architect designer of the most imposing baroque building on the island is rejoicing in his grave for removal of what for may years had obstructed his architectural masterpiece.
And to all those rebels without a cause, who in your humble live have never studied and understand the meaning of a 16th century fortified city, Valletta was NEVER meant to be a green city. It had to be a century later that this concept was introduced in the urban history with the urbanization and the design of the newly suburb of Floriana as a green city surrounded with gardens.
Castille's facade is not meant to be covered with trees as if flowers are not meant to be planted in the kitchen!
So stop criticizing the nonsense!
L Zammit
Jan 7th 2009, 15:03
IGalea: I admire your wonderful sense of humour. Any more?
Graham Crocker
Jan 7th 2009, 14:32
Trees should be used to obsfucate the ugly structures around valletta (unfortunetely there are many).
Castille is very nice structure and I prefer it without trees blocking its aesthetic beauty.
The trees that should be planted, should not need to much maintance, fruit trees are a hassle and during picking time (which I doubt any public official would pick) flies would be attracted and fruits would fall to the ground making a mess and a smell.
Don't you see those pavements covered with sticky overripened figs or whatever those brown blobs are? Those are never picked and they make a mess.
apgrech
Jan 7th 2009, 14:05
Removal of the trees from Castille was a good idea. Some sidewalks around Valletta are wide enough to have trees planted in them.
We need more and more greenery around Malta and any new roads built should be furnished with trees. Trees are beautiful and healthy for us.
Lino Pace Bonello
Jan 7th 2009, 13:54
In reply to Mr I galea. There are orange groves in the ditches around Mdina bastions serving that purpose. Just look at the height to which they have been allowed grow.!!! They have neatly obliterated the bastions to half their height. The same happened to the trees growing beneath Saqqajja Square and the "It-Tomba" at Howard Gardens. All the expense made to embellish both areas has only partly served the purpose as the breathtaking views are simply ruined by unpruned trees. Please just forget the word pruning.
I Borg
Jan 7th 2009, 13:47
To all those in favour of trees in front of Castille: do you imagine trees in front of the facade of Montecitorio in Rome? Or in front of Prague Castle? Well done and one suggestion: a row of trees in Merchant Street? It is wide enough....
J Farrugia
Jan 7th 2009, 13:28
Mayor Dingli: Trees are to be planted where they were removed from not in Hastings Garden. The site is now bare and open and is not a pleasant site as it is. At least two trees should be planted in the front of Auberge de Castille. Not in hastings!
C Micallef
Jan 7th 2009, 13:25
How about planting some trees or bushes on the aisles at the bus terminus at City Gate. The bus terminus is so ugly that any improvement would be welcome. Hastings Garden is already green as it is - the foliage at the terminus would also improve on the quality (!) of air in the area.
lgalea
Jan 7th 2009, 13:11
Alexiei Dingli
How about planting orange trees in front of Castille and keeping them pruned and their fruit used for hospitals etc?
That would add a touch of greenery (not that there is any nee for it at Castille since it has more than enough at the inside) without obstructing the building.
Alexiei Dingli
Jan 7th 2009, 12:58
Dear All, what I said are just facts and we have email exchanges of the last month to backup everything. Government was proactive and in early December it asked the council to start the procedures to install new trees in Valletta. If you would like to write about conspiracy theories, cover-ups, etc may I suggest that you write a novel.
May I also concur with Mr Sciberras that we need more greenery in the city and in our villages. And yes we would like to have more initiatives, so if anyone would like to collaborate with the Local Council please do contact me.
Lino pace Bonello
Jan 7th 2009, 12:32
Well done!!!! Now when can we expect the removal, or at least the heavy pruning, of those monstrosities concealing the magnificence of Mdina bastions and the recently embellished entrance???. Unfortunately they are too well protected for a storm to do the job. Apart from the monsters straddling Mdina bridge, the cypress trees were originally planted as protection to the orange groves beneath the bastions but their height have now exceeded all proportions. As to the trees on the ramparts...well that is another matter!!! During a talk on the restoration of the bastions given by Mr Stephen Spiteri at Howard Gardens last summer, the attention was drawn to the minister concerned but no action has been forhcoming
a. sciberras
Jan 7th 2009, 11:44
well done on this iniatitive.
however we need a lot more greenery in valletta and floriana and the rest of the grand harbour area. most cities worldwide have a big number of renowned parks and avenues. our city is perhaps small and cannot take a lot of trees. personally i think this issue needs to be planned carefully in order to avoid damage to the heritage of valletta whilst having a green healthier city and region. we should also incentivise local households to have more greenery in the form of plants etc. particularly in this historical region. it will only improve our own standard of living and make a nicer place for both locals and foreigners to enjoy.
Joe Cassar
Jan 7th 2009, 11:36
QUOD NON FECERUNT BARBARI, FECERUNT BARBERINI
1) Couldn't we have had the 40 new trees PLUS the mature trees in front of Castille?
2) So now we are told the trees were removed because of disease! Reminds me of how all edverts for lost dogs say they are "under medication".
Pull the other one, Mr Mayor.
Marvin Mizzi
Jan 7th 2009, 11:19
The point is not have Valletta greener or not the point is that when the issue was first raised about removing the trees from inform of Castille the response was negative then everything went quite fro some time. Eventual as the election came the tree were just removed. By saying that he would be planting tree in Hastings the Mayor of Valletta is trying to cover up but it is not the point.
A. Saliba
Jan 7th 2009, 11:06
but...but....but ...tree phobia!