I read John Baptist Camilleri’s letter about Marsascala with interest, (‘Give Marsascala and its residents a break’, The Sunday Times of Malta, January 21). I cannot but agree with his contribution.

Marsascala has become a place for young families, hosting not only locals but many families with young children, mostly from the south of the island. With the Freeport in Birżebbuġa, the power station in Marsaxlokk, the Ta’  Barkat sewage treatment plant in Xgħajra, the busy yacht marina in Vittoriosa and the Dockyard in Cospicua/Senglea, Marsascala is practically the only place left for some healthy air to breathe along the southern shore.

The miniature playground in the midst of heavy traffic is too small and far from healthy, while the other so-called playgrounds in St Thomas Bay and below Żonqor are certainly not good enough to be enjoyed by families, especially those with older kids who definitely need more space than babies and toddlers.

There are hardly any open spaces large enough for children to play outside. The few open spaces at St Thomas Bay are taken by kiosks often selling unhealthy fast foods, which quickly become restaurants with surrounding tables, taking a good part of the area.

For us Marsascala and family lovers, the only hope was Żonqor and the ex-Jerma site. We all know the story about Żonqor. Some of us residents attended the annual general meeting organised by the local council where the main issue discussed was the ex-Jerma site. B

uilding the Jerma in the first place was a mistake, and many of us thought it was time to correct that mistake. We thought the obvious thing to do was to retrieve what was lost and improve on it as much as possible. Alas, this was not to be. In a presentation, a typical business strategy was used, starting with suggestions which included three towers ranging from 35 to 45 storeys each, which, needless to say, shocked us all, with the latest suggestion being 13 storeys across the road of the historical tower.

We all know that 13 is much less than 45, but playing with numbers still does not make it acceptable for such a building so close to the shoreline which will dwarf the existing St Thomas Tower and surrounding houses.

True, a hotel in the vicinity of Marsascala can help business in many ways, but does it really have to be a highrise on the shoreline? We certainly do not want to become another Sliema, Tigné and Paceville. The huge problems the residents of these places have to put up with are well known.  Among the unique characteristics of Marsascala are its shoreline beauty and the tranquil places one can still find in some areas. We want this to continue.

Apartents are also included in the latest proposed hotel building plans. Are these automatically included in a permit for a hotel?

We were not very impressed, as calling apartments ‘mansions’ or ‘gardens’ does not make them prettier or less visible, and the negative affect on the surroundings will still prevail. Is it too difficult for the owners and their architects to think outside the box and come up with something original which will attract tourists who prefer to visit beautiful, tranquil spots?

An exchange of inner land for the proposed 13-storey hotel and apartments may be encouraged, with, for example, the Wasteserve area, which is government property and soon being phased out.   More business would be generated if a shopping mall had to be built close to the hotel. This would also keep traffic away from the centre. A shuttle service, perhaps organised by the hotel, can help locals and tourists to go round the Marsascala coast road, even from the three cities in Cottonera, Xgħajra and down to Marsaxlokk and perhaps also around Għar Lapsi and Żurrieq, if necessary. A win-win situation where everybody is a winner and no one is a loser.

I believe the idea of a petrol station in the area should be scrapped. With two petrol stations up the road, another petrol station is not necessary and will only lower the standard of the area. What a difference for us to be welcomed into Marsascala with an imposing five-star hotel, an adjacent healthy family park and a shopping mall without adding to the hustle and bustle of traffic and at the same time being able to enjoy wonderful open spaces facing the shoreline.

Anybody who would like to improve on my proposals is most welcome to do so. If only the Marsascala local council could unite and make practical positive proposals for the all-round benefit of all.