Valletta is gradually being transformed from a bustling capital into a soulless monument frequented only by those persons who have no choice but to enter Valletta, the Chamber of Commerce said.
In a statement, it said that although a few years ago, the government embarked on a commendable strategy to embellish and upgrade Valletta, the process was not being efficiently managed.
A study conducted in January by the Chamber’s Valletta Business Community Committee showed a significant loss of business during the Christmas period.
“However, it is known that that this loss is constant and not merely linked to the festive season, nor to the international recession.
“It is simply caused by the continuous elimination of parking spaces in Valletta.
“The business community has seen a continual reduction of parking spaces and an increase in restrictions, the introduction of the CVA, the Park and Ride, residents parking and parking spaces allotted for the exclusive use of ministers and members of Parliament, not to mention the continuous increase in reserved parking places.
“This is clearly detrimental to business in Valletta. The reformed public transport system will ameliorate matters as will the installation of lifts from the Valletta waterfront and the expansion of the Park and Ride facility.
“However, we fear that by the time these new resources are available, severe and irreversible damage will have been done,” it said.
The chamber said that if the government wanted Valletta to survive as a living monument, it needed to come up with some urgent, practical solutions that made running a business more attractive.
“The Valletta Business Community Committee is willing to offer its experience and expertise to government and wishes to be consulted on all issues that are of direct interest to the business community.
“Whilst other convenient destinations are being developed, Valletta is becoming increasingly problematic.
“This will result in more and more businesses leaving Valletta and shops closing down. The lack of activity will result in Valletta losing its vibrancy. We already have one Silent City, we do not need another one,” it said.