Embellishment projects at Rabat

Last week, I had the opportunity to accompany Minister George Pullicino and Parliamentary Secretary Joe Cassar on a walk-about around Rabat, whereby three highly-awaited and necessary projects were announced to the media. Through these projects, the government is confirming its steadfast commitment to sustainable localities and the improvement of the quality of life of the residents.

Saqqajja fountain dates back hundreds of years and its importance isn't only limited to the people of Rabat but can easily be classified as a site of national heritage. This fountain bids welcome to every visitor that enters Rabat from Saqqajja side and its history is deeply rooted with that of the locality. After years of exposure to the elements, restoration works have been commissioned for its preservation. Works by the government have started and are moving at a notable speed.

Meeting people during house visits, I often hear how beautiful the lava-paved St Augustine Avenue used to be. Unfortunately, over the years, maintenance works had to be carried out, destroying much of the lava slabs and covering up vast patches of it.

Last week, we announced to the media how the government intends to carry out embellishment works in this area, giving back to this avenue its original charm.

Words cannot express the satisfaction I felt while the government's plans to re-organise the site known as Għalqa ta' Kola were being announced. For as long as I can remember, this area in the centre of Rabat has been abandoned and used as a makeshift parking area. Consensus among the residents and the business community of the whereabouts is that this stretch of land has a very high potential and could be put to much better use.

In a couple of days, we shall finally see a new page being written in Rabat's history and this area will be addressed. The government is about to engage in a project of an organised parking that will curb once and for all the inconveniences of dust, dirt and all related annoyance. The works are planned to give a much-needed facelift to an area that has been characterised by damage to vehicles and disorganisation for long enough.

All the above three projects are the product of intergovernmental coordination and dedication to the bettering of the quality of life of our localities. The involvement I've had in particular in the last project allows me to understand the extent of effort and commitment to have such work being done.

My heartfelt appreciation goes to Mr Pullicino in particular and to Dr Cassar for showing the government's political will to address the needs of Rabat and the surroundings.