People the sole traffic as street opens

The newly paved and pedestrianised Bisazza Street in Sliema came to life last night in an official ceremony that celebrated the completion of a €750,000 government project.

The street, which is in the heart of Sliema’s shopping centre, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino as people walked around and children played.

Speaking during the launch, Dr Gonzi said the project was one link in a chain of initiatives and projects spread around the Maltese islands that embellished open spaces, giving families more public, clean spaces. The electricity cables were laid beneath the porfido lava slabs and the lighting was replaced with low-consumption energy saving bulbs. There is free Wi-Fi, benches for people to sit on and potted citrus trees.

A small square now replaces the former parking slots in the centre of the road and has two fountains and a sculpture featuring actors Ġemma Portelli, Charles Clews and Victor Apap sitting around a table. The public can sit next to these personalities and take photos with them.

There will be an open day in the street today with activities starting from 10 a.m. Shops will remain open all day. Dr Gonzi pointed out that the inauguration followed the completion of George Bonello du Puis Garden in Qui-Si-Sana and the regeneration of St Anne Square also in Sliema.