The recently-unveiled proposals by the government for Marsamxett Harbour, which include a marina on Tigné Point, continue to shift the limelight away from Sliema's traditional town centre onto the new Midi project, residents and businessmen have complained to The Times.
Members of the Qui-si-Sana Residents Association and entrepreneurs having outlets on the Ferries and the surrounding areas have been resisting what they describe as a state-sponsored plan to shift activity towards the new project.
The government did not seem to be favourable to the idea of a marina in the area, first floated by Labour local councillor Martin Debono. Now, however, it turns out that a marina has been included in the government's plans for Marsamxett Harbour, unveiled by Investments Minister Austin Gatt.
Mr Debono's plan incorporated the redevelopment of the Sliema Ferries and was eventually approved by the whole local council. Shortly after, building contractor and Azzjoni Nazzjonali deputy chairman Anġlu Xuereb made a similar proposal suggesting, unlike Mr Debono, that the marina be built closer to Gżira.
The government's proposal is for the facility to be placed at Tigné Point, just beneath the new Midi apartments.
"It is clearly another example of how the government wants to shift the focus from the present centre in Sliema to Midi and it is being done blatantly," Pierre Fava, a businessman and Sliema resident, said echoing others who were contacted.
When asked, a spokesman for the Investments Ministry insisted that the plans, launched last month by the Prime Minister along with the government's plan for Marsamxett Harbour, are still at consultation stage, pointing out that nobody had filed any complaints so far.
"Having said that, the consultation continues and we will assess our proposals giving full consideration to any suggestions," he continued.
It turns out that many are not aware of this. Simon Camilleri, the head of the Qui-si-Sana Residents Association, said he had no idea there were any consultations on the marina proposal.
The plans are posted on the Investments Ministry's website.
Last November, a similar furore was raised when the same residents complained that, despite endless consultation meetings, a set of traffic management plans by the Malta Transport Authority, remained designed to push traffic (and business) away from The Strand and towards the new Midi project in Tigné, ignoring the major concern they had raised.
A meeting should be held next week in connection with the ADT's revised plans.