Will Swieqi finally have its focal point?

Seventeen years ago I was elected on the Swieqi local council. Seventeen years ago we realised that Swieqi had no focal point for residents. We identified a stretch of land in Triq il-Keffa that could be developed as a local council office, a civic centre, a police station, a meeting hall that could be used by local associations, a garden. Plans were even proposed and drawn up but for 15 years or so this project only produced hot air.

Last September 9 was Swieqi Day. I was pleased to hear the mayor announce that the land in Triq il-Keffa had finally been expropriated and that the finalised plans of the whole project had already been shown to the council members.

Great. After a 15-year wait it seems that Swieqi will at last be getting what it needs and deserves. I also hope the Swieqi residents realise the added value of voting in a Green councillor next March.

In the meantime, in the name of transparency it is now essential that the plans are published so that the common citizens can air their views.