Maltese united on Renzo Piano plans

Reading all the letters in opposition to the Renzo Piano plan and the cost so far of €1,320,00, I could no longer remain silent. I had to write and express my concern about the Piano project.

On September 30, the Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, announced to Parliament that "Renzo Piano should unite and not divide us". He must have been talking about himself as the people of Malta seem united against the Piano project.

The City Gate proposed by Piano is not a gate. Whoever thought of proposing two pillars at the entrance to the heritage city that was built by gentlemen for gentlemen? And how about the open arena in place of the old Opera House. Do you call that innovation for Valletta with a history of almost 500 years? The Opera House should be rebuilt and must have a roof for year-round activities.

The Parliament does not belong at the entrance to the city. There are other sites where Parliament can be built. Freedom Square should be turned into a park with a fountain and garden to beautify the entrance to the city. Also, I suggest the building across Freedom Square be demolished, including the ugly apartments built by the Labour Administration, and the whole area should be converted into a garden with a fountain.

The gate to the city should be designed with a high and wide arch from sidewalk to sidewalk, with two towers as an observation post at each end with the statute of La Vallette and three other Grand Masters on the front and rear of the arch to be erected with the coat of arms of the knights on the front and the Maltese Cross on the back in the centre.

The Prime Minister must swallow his pride and accept defeat graciously and stop spending taxpayer'smoney. Many men accepted defeat at one time or another and they became great men. The people of Malta have spoken and they are united.

Why not have confidence in Maltese architects, by asking them to submit designs, plans and sites for each project for the city of Valletta, and select a committee to pick the best six designs or plans and then submit them to the people of Malta for a vote?