Over the past weeks, the government has announced various projects for the capital city, ranging from the redevelopment of City Gate and the site of the former Royal Opera House, an underground car park in St George's Square (Main Guard), which has now been dropped, the ill-fated underground museum for St John's Co-Cathedral, the breakwater bridge already dubbed the bridge to nowhere, the relocation of Parliament and the latest project: the rehabilitation and development of Fort St Elmo and its surroundings. According to the Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Minister Austin Gatt, the announcement of these projects shows the government's commitment to the enhancement of Valletta up to the year when it will be named Cultural Capital of Europe.

Most of these projects form part of the government's vision 2015 for the regeneration of Grand Harbour and Marsamxetto Harbour. They also form part of Labour's vision 2020 for the harbours. Indeed, some of the projects did not form part of the Nationalist Party's vision but were copied from Labour's plans. This does not matter, as long as the projects get done.

However, in my opinion, there are three major issues that need to be addressed.

In the first instance, these development projects would turn Valletta into a building site for a considerable period. This means that the execution of these projects has to be well planned in order to keep disruption both to the residents and to those who visit or work in Valletta to a minimum.

This necessarily means that such projects have to be fitted within a master plan for the whole city and its surroundings. This master plan should incorporate all the projects envisaged and should not only include projects proposed by the political parties but also others that may be suggested by the public. Such a master plan would ensure that no conflicting projects are proposed. For example, why was there need for a car park under St George's Square (especially for official parliamentary business) when it is being proposed to relocate Parliament away from the President's Palace? Thus, one could have rehabilitated Palace Square without the need of an underground car park.

Such a master plan would be finalised after wide public consultation exercise, such that there would be general consensus for the proposed projects.

Thus, while there is general agreement about the redevelopment of the Royal Opera House site, few agree that Parliament should be relocated in this building. The majority are of the opinion that this building should be a multi-use building for cultural activities and that there are other buildings that could house Parliament. One such building could be Auberge de Bavière and the adjoining (vacant) block at the back. Incidentally, Auberge de Bavière has parking space in its basement.

The third issue that needs to be addressed immediately is that of upgrading the existing infrastructure of Valletta. While waiting for the finalisation of the master plan, works should be carried out to ensure that the entire pedestrian zone is appropriately paved, especially South Street, Melita Street, Sta Lucia Street and Strait Street. The important buildings within this zone should be illuminated (as in Republic Street), while it should be furnished with the appropriate street furniture.

An effort should be made to maintain this zone in the best condition, especially with regard to cleanliness.

The paving of the sidewalks in the main streets (outside the pedestrian zone) should be redone because in most areas it is broken and poses a risk to pedestrians.

The underground culvert system in Valletta, especially the storm water drains, should be repaired so that they function properly.

Valletta is an architectural zone but it has been neglected for much too long. We need to embark on a series of projects not because Valletta is to be the cultural city of Europe but because it is our capital city and we need to realise its potential, which has been left dormant for many years.

Mr Buhagiar MP is Labour's main spokesman on infrastructure and capital projects.

www.peritcharlesbuhagiar.com.mt