The pedestrianization of Bisazza Street, in Sliema has been a big mistake. It is unnecessarily forcing traffic from Tower Road going towards Gżira to go through the tunnel, when Bisazza Street offered such a short cut. As a result, two beautiful stretches of coastline, namely Qui-si-Sana and Tigné seafronts, have been turned into two heavily congested main roads. In particular, Tigné Seafront has become one of the most polluted streets in Sliema.

Bisazza Street is not attractive for an enjoyable walk- Lino Briguglio, Sliema

In addition, those driving towards Gżira and are not interested in visiting the Mall incur extra cost of petrol and waste their time going through the tunnel.

I have talked to shop owners and residents in Bisazza Street and the general remark was that the pedestrianization of the street was not welcome. The same views were expressed by many residents in the Tigné area. Some questioned whether the street was closed to traffic so as to give an advantage to the Mall at Tigné Point.

I am not sure whether this is true but if so the quality of life of the residents of the Qui-si-Sana and Tigné areas has been sacrificed for the benefit of the Mall shop owners.

It would have been much better had Qui-si-Sana and Tigné seafronts been partly pedestrianized, leaving one side of the road for one-way traffic, flowing from Tower Road and exiting at the Ferries towards Gżira, thereby still permitting, but not forcing, traffic to pass by the Mall at Tigné Point.

Another thing. Bisazza Street is a downhill stretch of road and not attractive for an enjoyable walk. On the contrary, pedestrianizing half of Qui-si-Sana and Tigné seafronts, which are relatively flat and have stunning sea views, will be a much better idea and will surely result in a major attraction for Maltese and tourists alike.

The Government should consider de-pedestrianizing Bisazza Street and pedestrianizing half of Qui-si-Sana and Tigné seafronts.