I must admit I am surprised by Robert Arrigo’s comments yesterday on the embellishmentand pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street, Sliema. This is actually the first time I became aware of his views. Neither during the inauguration, nor during the open day, where he was present for a good part of the afternoon, did he express such negative views.

I find it rather strange that the article seems to give the impression that “bullying” tactics were used to force through this project. I, together with the Prime Minister, who was constantly kept informed and was consulted on all decisions taken, maintained constant consultation with the interested stakeholders throughout the whole process. This consultation included the Sliema local council, the Sliema Business Community and the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises – GRTU, which were all in agreement with the proposal for the full pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street.

I have to point out that I was not present when the Sliema local council voted with an overwhelming majority, with only one vote against, to call for the full pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street. Thus, I cannot understand how I could have “bullied” councillors to arrive at their decision.

With regard to the issue of the traffic impact, Transport Malta had, in fact, carried out an assessment of the various options for traffic access through Bisazza Street and had concluded that buses should use the street. However, the government had responsibly overruled this decision and implemented the concept of full pedestrianisation in line with the spirit of policy NHSJ05 of the North Harbours Local Plan, approved in July 2006.

It is interesting to point out that, with reference to the Sliema Town Centre, this policy states, among other things, that it seeks to “reduce or remove through-traffic from Bisazza Street and lower Tower Road and improve conditions for pedestrians”.

During the speech delivered on the inauguration of this project, I had emphasised the fact that during Mr Arrigo’s tenure as Sliema mayor, the local council had originated the idea of directing traffic from Bisazza Street towards the Tignè peninsula.

In fact, the local council had erected a large traffic sign near Il-Piazzetta urging drivers to “Take the longer way faster”. Obviously, this happened when there was still no Midi tunnel, which today offers increased access to the traffic passing from the Tignè area, hence lessening the impact on Tigne’ residents. We have now also introduced new traffic arrangements to discourage further the use of the inner Tignè streets by motorists trying to find the easy shortcut to the Ferries area.

Mr Arrigo criticises the loss of parking spaces that came about following the full pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street. As I have already stated publicly, while agreeing fully to the introduction of bus lanes by Transport Malta, however, I actively sought to find a solution in order to minimise the loss of the parking spaces as a result of Transport Malta’s original decision. The government is satisfied that logic ultimately prevailed and arrangements have been announced that will keep 40 of the 62 parking spaces that were to be lost. This belies the argument that I was the mastermind behind the loss of parking spaces and I want to thank the Transport Ministry and Transport Malta for their cooperation and collaboration.

I must, moreover, highlight the irony in the fact that among those protesting today at the loss of car parking spaces there are the main opponents of the original idea that had to create a 600-plus space underground car park beneath the public garden in Qui-Si-Sana. These are the same people who kept opposing this car park even after the Prime Minister had promised that any commercial activity will be removed from such a project. The proposed car park would have solved many of the parking problems being faced today by Sliema residents.

I have to repeat that I have been encouraged by the positive response received by the public and the majority of the media, particularly the editorial stand taken by The Times (June 14) and columnist Lino Spiteri (June 13).

We will continue to strive to further upgrade this area and we are proposing an embellishment project for the Ferries area where public funds will be invested to upgrade this zone, which hosts thousands of visitors, Maltese and tourists alike, daily. The project plans are still being discussed with the various government authorities and will be subject to a consultation process as with all other similar projects.

We understand that a project such as this can create opposing views, which seems to be the case with Mr Arrigo. However, this shouldn’t stop the government from delivering quality projects through a wide consensus.

We took the decisions which, in our view, are the best for the residential and commercial communities of Sliema. The pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street has transformed a polluted and chaotic street into a haven of organised, comfortable and embellished public space.

This complements the other projects undertaken in this area such as the new paving and laying of new services at Tower Road, the embellishment of St Anne Square and the removal of the illegal Magic Kiosk, the new promenade and the embellished George Bonello Du Puis Garden in Qui-Si-Sana.

This is one sure way of improving the people’s quality of life.

The author is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.