The relocation of the Tritons Fountain, a landmark that is currently serving as the Valletta bus terminus roundabout, has gone down well with some and badly with others. It will be shifted away from City Gate to create an open space in front of the city’s entrance. Sarah Carabott yesterday tried to feel the pulse of Valletta commuters and also asked them what they thought of the €4 million the project is going to cost.

Helen Cacciattolo, 53, Birkirkara & Cettina Pisani, 74, Birkirkara

Since City Gate is being revamped, the fountain’s move is unavoidable. If it were to be left there it would look out of place. It’s useless to criticise the expense if it benefits the country.

Kenneth Bugeja, 33, St Paul’s Bay

It does not make any difference to me personally, and if the funds allocated to the project have to increase then let them do so.

Paul Tabone, 30, Valletta

I am not interested in the fountain’s move, as I do not live near it. However, if I had to relocate it, I’d remove it completely and replace it with something else because it does not symbolise anything for the Maltese. The money wasted could have been put to better use by investing it in deteriorating buildings where homeless people seek shelter, instead of erecting the ridiculous trees in the planned bus terminus.

Josephine Camilleri, 82, Sliema

Although it will not make any difference to me, the traffic diversions will, as it will take me longer to get to my shop in Valletta.

Rita Vassallo, 48, Floriana

In my opinion the fountain should remain where it is because it is attractive there. If its position were to be changed, the atmosphere in front of City Gate as we know it would change. I also think that the area in front of the Phoenicia Hotel would be cluttered with monuments once the fountain is moved close by.

Freddie Vassallo, 71, Marsa

I don’t think the move will be a problem. There’s nothing wrong with the increase in funds allocated for the embellishment project if it’s for the better.

Joan Scerri, 60, Naxxar

I am used to the Tritons Fountain as a landmark, as it has been there since the 1960s. A lot of people have criticised the move. However, if it has to be done it is inevitable. On the other hand, I don’t agree with money being squandered at the moment.

Carmelo Pace, 78, Ħamrun

I am more interested in the potential damage the fountain might suffer. The move itself does not make any difference but what does make a difference is the weekly €1 cost of living increase I get, and the thousands of euro they (Members of Parliament) earn.