MMA issues call for temporary marinas in Xemxija, Salina

Alfred Grima

Nov 26th 2009, 02:03

It is unacceptable for me as a Local Council member for St Pauls Bay the fact that the MMA Authority is trying to roll over the local Council decision by issuing a call for a temporary marina in Xemxija.
This project if materialised it will mean that hundreds of fishermen will certainly face difficulties and risk losing their daily bread. On the other hand one needs to remember that the proposed area is next to a swimming zone. Obviously this decision is only based on the financial side of it, while it ignores totally the health hazard a yacht marina will cause to any swimmer swimming in an area loaded with yachts. Apart from that, before the MMA embark on a yacht marina, first and foremost it needs to provide decent parking facilities to the area in question.
Alfred Grima
St Paul’s Bay Local Councillor: grimaalf@hotmail.com

Peter Abela

Nov 25th 2009, 22:33

On requst by many residents, the council has already objected. Or is consultation a word with no meaning.

Sandro

Nov 25th 2009, 22:20

As a boat owner which is moored in St. Paul's bay I fully agree with it ! Boat mooring in St. Paul's bay are a total mess and disorganized. Its time for something to be done. If this is done from the existing breakwater inwards I don't think it will effect swimmers.

michael seychell

Nov 25th 2009, 21:14

'Djalogu' with the people was and still is very important, but let us not take it to extremes.

The most important things for this country are the creating of jobs and earning more income for the government, i.e. the country. Additonal Yacht Marinas will reach these two goals, and hopefully some of the money would come from foreign yachts, since such income would be even better for the economy.

I would have supported your claim for Djalogu if the government was considering an industrial project or building development in Xemxija or in a similar place, but a yacht marina should not under normal circumstances create problems to the residents. If anything it should enhance the area and increase business to the various outlets of the area.

Imagine some years back the government went to dialalogue with the Vittoriosa people - a Labour stronghold - before giving permission for the Yacht Marina or the development of the waterfront.

Frank as a boat owner yourself, I would have thought you will be more frank and support the additional marinas, since these will help a little bit more to solve the country's present problems, albeit this may hurt someone.


Michael Seychell
Tal-Pieta

Charles Micallef

Nov 25th 2009, 20:59

If anyone really cares about the area AND the dire straights that the local businesses in the area are going through at the moment, they should be positive about any business that throws a lifeline to the local economy........and a Marina/s will certainly do that, on the other hand we can use the ecology as another excuse to discourage investment................!

Paul Ciantar

Nov 25th 2009, 20:53

we want a marina in mrsascala or we are children of a lesser god

Frank Galea

Nov 25th 2009, 20:17

Who cares about the residents? The good of the country and berths for the boats come before what the residents think...

Philip Grech

Nov 25th 2009, 20:02

........ installation of temporary facilities during summer. They will be removed in winter. Might just as well leave them there. People go to the beach in summer. And what about the posidonia; the seabed of Salina bay is almost all of it covered with posidonia.

Malcolm Mifsud

Nov 25th 2009, 18:27

Kiss swimming in Xemxija goodbye if this project is implemented. Isn't having the fish farms polluting the sea enough? This bay was nearly destroyed when the fuel station was operating from Fekruna, what will happen with a marina, and if it becomes permanent? Thanks for the idea.

Malcolm Farrugia

Nov 25th 2009, 18:24

@Dr Frank Portelli- As a resident living in Salina I am quite happy to have a yacht marina which will embellish the area. As a resident I am more concerned with the ammount of development around triq Il - Kapella tal - Lunzjata, we have many garages being used as a summer residence with all the noise and other disturbances which follow. I have informed Mepa countless times, all they do is issue an enforcement notice, and when the illegality is still in act the officers return just to remind the occupiers that they are not allowed to live in the garages. What a farse!!!

Frank Portelli 2BFRANK

Nov 25th 2009, 17:28

How about asking the local residents how they feel about this project before we go any further?

Djalogu - remember ?

Dr Frank Portelli