Triton's move unnecessary - Floriana mayor
The movement of the Triton Fountain from outside City Gate to the garden in front of the Phoenicia Hotel is unnecessary and does not make sense, Floriana mayor Nigel Holland said this morning.
Addressing a news conference, Mr Holland said that not only had the council not been consulted about the move, it had learnt about it from the media.
Musical chairs was being played with the country's monuments, possibly damaging the structures.
The Floriana council, he said, wanted the fountain restored but it should be left at its current site. He asked whose idea it was for the fountain to be moved.
Mr Holland said that the council had been approached by a number of people, including non-Floriana residents, who asked it to take action against the move.
The council will be discussing the issue during its next meeting, he said, and will move proposals for national action to be taken.
He noted, that the move will destroy the artistic line which was created by the Triton, Christ the King and the Independence monuments.
Mr Holland called on the Planning Authority to shoulder its responsibilities even when it came to government projects. He said he also expect non-governmental organisations to speak up about this issue.
The mayor said it would be better if the government found a solution to the eyesore which had been created by the MCP car park.
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Mr David Delmar
May 7th 2011, 12:05
We love our country the way it used to be not the way EU wants it to be.Keep up the good work Nigel.
Ms Maria Vassallo
May 6th 2011, 16:25
Taf xi jmissu jara Nigel Holland:
a) il-hmieg li hemm f'xi toroq tal-Floriana;
b) il-maggoranza tal-'water culverts' mizdudin;
c) karrozzi jipparkjaw fuq il-'yellow lines' anke fi Triq Sant'Anna;
d) ghal erba' gimghat shah l-ebda karrozza ma tista' tinzel minn Triq San Tumas minhabba l-Ark Publijan;
e) trakkijiet ipparkjati illegalment fi pjazza importanti gewwa l-Floriana bil-konsegwenza li jiena u hbieb tieghi li ghandna l-arlogg ma nistghux nipparkjaw billi ahna nahdmu l-Floriana;
f) karrozzi jipparkjaw fuq il-bankini......hallas tax-payer;
g) florjanizi johorgu l-klieb taghhom fil-gonna u jinqdew hemm kontra 'by-laws' mghoddija mill-istess kunsill lokali.
Imma NH ma jridx johrog ghonqu. Kenn ghall-qtates saru u aktar minn wiehed izda drittijiet ghall-bnedmin qed ighibu.
Mr Joe Gatt
May 7th 2011, 09:08
`e) trakkijiet ipparkjati illegalment fi pjazza importanti gewwa l-Floriana bil-konsegwenza li jiena u hbieb tieghi li ghandna l-arlogg ma nistghux nipparkjaw billi ahna nahdmu l-Floriana;`
I hope you are aware, Miss Vassallo, that parking to non residents is restricted to two and a half hours, after which one has to move his or her vehicle.
Two wrongs here?
Ms Lucia Davies
May 7th 2011, 12:41
Il problema li ghandkhom inthom li tahdmu fil Floriana mijiex problema taghkhom biss.. Ir residenta li jahdmu ta bil lejl, u dawk li forsi juzaw il karozza fil ghodu meta jigu lura fil Floriana ma jsibux jipparkjaw wkoll. Il Floriana hija belt zghira a traffiku li jidhol kulljum fiha, hija problema KBIRA,, taghmel x taghmel ha taqlahha.. Qisu il Floriana biss hawn dawn il problemi morru il hamrun jew B'Kara hlief karozzi double parking ma sibux.. Issa la jkollna l Aviva uzaw tal linja hu ma jkollkhomx ghalfejn dejjem tgergru, u by the way ta fuq il Fosos,, (nimmagina li ghalija qed tirreferu ghal pjazza), dawk morru tkellmu ma min jorganizza dawk il festivals,,u ohra jien residenta u gieli ipparkjajt il Park and Ride tafu ghal xiex sar dak, u tghiduliex li ghax memx mini vans, m'ghandkhomx xi mixja twiela l exercise jghamlilkhom tajjeb..
Mr FRANS H SAID
May 5th 2011, 20:41
First of all - The fountain area is in FLORIANA. It is outside the ditch. If Austin Gatt wants to enlarge Valletta he has choices, such as excavate and created a sunken city, he can build skyscrapers or claim more land from the sea. But it seams that PN is afraid of Austin Gatt that is supposed to retire. Do not forget that Austin Gatt was not even elected but co-opted. Thus not even the people of Valletta voted for him.
Putting the fountain in front of the Air Force Memorial also shows crass ignorance. Those airmen gave up their lives to save Malta and the world from Hitler and Nazisim, from Musolini and Fascism, from dictatorships but not from the way the PN is acting. (or are there some who would have preferred Mussolini?)
And how can so many millions be spent when this has not been approved by parliament? All this project is illegal, irrispective of the way parliament has been sidetracked. But no one seems to be able to stand up to be counted.
What is the PL doing? Why had it not voiced its objections? Or are there certain members who are gaining big money?
Ms Lucia Davies
May 6th 2011, 09:20
Thank goodness somebody speaks my language I have been trying to wake people up especially Florianites about what is happenning by all ths change. they are make a square instead of the fountain joining with Christ the King garden, then they lead people to believe that that area is Valletta since when as I always read and believed Valletta was inside the bastions.
Mr Charles P Cilia
May 5th 2011, 17:36
I do not mind having the Triton fountain shifted to accommodate the designs of the new Valletta entrance. However, I support the concealment of the atrocious gaping hole of the MCP Carpark. Surely something can be done to surface the area while leaving underneath for parking. I am surprised that the contracted architects have not suggested something on these lines. One might even consider covering the lower part of the car park with the fountain, which will naturally reduce its height when sighted from high ground.
Ms Lucia Davies
May 6th 2011, 09:23
That was the origin plans that a garden would be built on top of the car park but they ran out of funds at the time and have been promising it is going to be finished one day, but not in the near future it looks like
Mr Angelo Vassallo
May 5th 2011, 17:04
From when Mr. Holland and his Council consider that part of Floriana as part of his jurisdiction as Major and of the Local Council of Floriana.
Can the Mr Holland tell us, for example, what he and his Local Council ever did in the Biskuttin area, in the Putirjal Bus Terminus area and its surroundings, in the Mall area, in the War Monument area, in the St James’s Ditch area? - NOTHING. The answer that he most probably will give to my question is that, all the mentioned areas are under the Central Government’s jurisdiction and not of the Floriana Local Council.
If that is really the case, than Mr. Holland let the Central Government rehabilitate them and please do not interfere.
Can Mr Holland and his Local Council be pro-active and come up with possible solutions to the eyesore which had been created by the MCP car park? Mr. Holland it is very easy to be an armchair critic, but it is very very hard when it comes to take decisions, and you should know this from your vast experience as Major of Floriana.
Ms Lucia Davies
May 6th 2011, 09:37
The reason the area you mentioned is under the central government was because Floriana council was not given enough funds to clean and as you said do anything in that area.. and if you must know even St. Anne street and some of the gardens are under the central government for cleaning and maintainance same as the subways, does that make them outside FLORIANA jurisdiction. Don't think so.. I think it is you and Not the Floriana mayor should not interfere were it does not concern you,, easy to notice you have no respect for our Mayor and Floriana
Mr Joe Gatt
May 7th 2011, 02:30
`Can Mr Holland and his Local Council be pro-active and come up with possible solutions to the eyesore which had been created by the MCP car park?`
The MCP should have been turned into the main bus station, access thru the old railway tunnel near Port De Bombes.
Another pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways similar to major airports, leading from various park and ride facilities outside the cities, would have been the ideal long term solution too
This should have drastically reduced traffic thru Floriana, which is drastically required to improve quality of life in the areas.
Thus the open areas at the city entrance would have been turned into a purely pedestrian recreational zone only
Ms Gillian Snook
May 5th 2011, 16:53
Walking up Republic Street towards the fountain (when it is working) is a beautiful sight especially in the late afternoon. It makes the perfect view, don't spoil the effect.
Joanna Borg
May 5th 2011, 17:29
I totally agree! And all that money could be used towards the construction of the Barakka lift or extending the refurbishment of the city's roads beyond the main streets.
Victor Pulis
May 5th 2011, 15:45
We were informed that the fountain was being moved to create an unobstructed view of the new city gate!
What city gate for heaven's sake? There is going to be a great big hole in the bastions. This is the first time Valletta is not going to have a gate. Besides, what kind of arrogance must one show in removing a work of art by a Maltese artist to showcase a breach in the walls of our capital city made by a foreigner? This is boot licking at its worst. The lie that the fountain is going to be restored is fooling no none. Finally it is clear that the fountain has been dumped aside in the nearest convenient place next to other monuments, The air force monument, The war monument, Christ the King monument and Dun Karm's monument are only meters apart.
Mr Paul Barrett
May 5th 2011, 15:02
Moving the fountain makes as much sense as the project to build a bridge to nowhere.
Louis Cassar
May 5th 2011, 15:27
I just don't see the need to move Triton Fountain. It is just fine the way it is. So whats next on the list to be moved?
Mr James Grech
May 5th 2011, 14:47
Those of you asking about the cost of such a move, well there was a news article reported by a number of papers, that this (together with the embellishment of the area) would cost us 4Million Euros. Quite a hefty sum, given the circumstances. Furthermore it is money down the drain, or maybe its money down someone's already fat pocket.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110429/local/Will-fountain-s-move-sink-the-Tritons-.362780
Mr Joseph Calleja
May 5th 2011, 16:00
4Million Euros could have been used to start work on the infamous Barrakka Lift. (Elevator) so visiting Cruise Ship Tourists can enjoy the ride to Upper Barrakka. Mr PM and Minister Gatt, please take note unless you don't care what your citizens really want! Maybe you hit it right on the head "Furthermore it is money down the drain, or maybe its money down someone's already fat pocket." Not in Malta or maybe Only in Malta?
Mr Victor Laiviera
May 5th 2011, 14:14
The Mayor said, "Musical chairs was being played with the country's monuments, possibly damaging the structures."
Indeed. He could also have mentioned the Sette Giugno Monument , which was removed from its natural home in St George's Square and shunted to an obscure corner of Hastings Garden, out of sight and out of mind.
Why is this Government so antagonistic to Malta's past?
John Carmel Navarro
May 5th 2011, 14:14
If you ask the majority of Maltese people surely they would agree that moving the Triton Fountain is just an unnecessary exercise and a total waste of money. I just cannot understand the Honourable Minister Austin Gatt who seems to just do things on a whim knowing that it would cause controversy. Surely the allocated monies can be better spent elsewhere, this whole Piano project is going to bankrupt our little Island if those who we elected carryon wasting money on totally useless projects. I find rather hard to understand why the voice of the people is being undermined time and time again, especially with the Valletta project.
D. A . Agius
May 5th 2011, 14:03
"The mayor said it would be better if the government found a solution to the eyesore which had been created by the MCP car park"
Shhhhhhhhh.... that's Taboo! No one can see it... it's not an eyesore... no has the guts to do it...
Mr Edgar Micallef
May 5th 2011, 13:59
I agree fully with this mayor. This is not a priority. How much will this 'priority' cost us anyway? Or are we not entitled to know? When will this administration get off its high horse and start listen to people other then the chosen few? There are other things which need to be done. I think its about time MALTA wakes up and stands up to be counted. Shame on this government to even think about this project when the middle class is getting poorer by the day. Put OUR money where we need it most MR.Prime Minister.
E. Micallef St. Julians
Mr Joseph Calleja
May 5th 2011, 13:44
"He asked whose idea it was for the fountain to be moved" Probably the same person or persons who decided to tear down City Gate and build a roofless Opera House.. The man or men have spoken. Why instead of spending a fortune on moving the Triton Fountain which is a tribute to City Gate didn't this person or persons invest the money in the rebuilding of the Barrakka Lift? Remember that proposed project? Of course not. That lift (elevator) should have been a priority before any City Gate and or Opera House, maybe even before a new Parliament House. Maybe Mr Holland can bring the Lift proposal up to the PM? Hoss fl-ilma. Leave the Triton Fountain alone.
Mr Alexander Pace Gouder.
May 5th 2011, 13:41
Well said Mr.N.Holland. Fully agree with you. Well ,you do not have to ask whose idea it was to move the fountain. Who spoke and gave the press conference about the move? Answer this question and you HAVE THE ANSWER. But for him MONEY NO PROBLEM. and his motto now seem to be: Move this move that etc etc etc.
Ray Mangion
May 5th 2011, 13:39
Was it not Austin Gatt`s idea to move the Triton Fountain? It was not in Piano`s plan, but the minister got a bit jealous due to Piano ruining the entrance of Valletta; why should Piano get all the credit!!!
Mr Fabian Borg
May 5th 2011, 13:36
Go Mayor : I am not a resident of Floriana or Valletta, although I spend alot of time there, and this move is totally unneccessary. The fountain will compliment the gardens in front of city gate fullstop.
Moving it will not make any sense what so ever.
Mr Michael Camileri
May 5th 2011, 13:30
This is such a grand monument! I love it
Ms Rose Cilia
May 5th 2011, 13:28
Don't worry too much Mr.Holland because what Austin Gatt decides can be cosidered as ''ben fatt' and no consultations are necessary.Besides, money- no problem.
Mr colin portelli
May 5th 2011, 13:17
prosit sur sindku....l ewwel nehhejna lil gran mastru biex poggejna il monument tal i indipendenza illi, sabih kemm hu sabih mil ghajn ta kapulvaur artistiku, ma ghandu x jaqsam xejn mal gnien tal Mall...u issa ser incaqalqu il funtana ta bieb il belt ukoll.....biex ikolna pjazza ibkar u izjed nies jippassiggaw u jhallu iz zibel....minn flok monument bl ilma, meta nafu illi l ilma janima ambejnt.....
tghid meta ser icaqalquha kastilja???
Stephen Koludrovic
May 5th 2011, 13:06
This fountain is far too big to be put in any other place save in its present site.
However, in my layman's opinion, it could possibly be lowered a bit, as it seems to be too high.
Mr Joseph Brincat
May 5th 2011, 13:05
HAVEN'T YOU HEARD ?? THAT THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE
ANOTHER ONE RESENTS THE THREE MASKETEERS
Ms Joanna Balzan
May 5th 2011, 12:55
Thank you! Thank you Mayor!
Dave Alan Caruana
May 5th 2011, 12:45
Well said, Mr. Nigel Holland.
Willie Grech
May 5th 2011, 12:38
Hopefully, no one will accuse the Floriana Mayor of being a Labour supporter or of speaking on behalf of the Labour Party!!!!!