Few might be aware of the importance of the Place de la Concorde. That square was the site of many notable public executions including that of King Louis XVI.  The square was renamed as a gesture of reconciliation after the turmoil of the French Revolution.  It signifies cooperation, agreement by stipulation, compact or covenant.

This brings me to a similar square in Malta, namely the Tritons Square between Floriana and Valletta.  It is immaterial where to draw the demarcation line, which in any case would denote animosity.  The square is roughly equidistant between the two extremities of the localities.  I suggest a unity circle of common ground.  Like the Place de la Concorde, it saw many executions. 

One cannot consider Valletta without taking into account the suburb of Floriana.  With its innumerable gardens, Floriana is the lung to the city.  The main gateway is through the grand St Anne Street with the symmetrical arcades on both sides.  In Floriana there are many monuments related to our history, especially the War Memorial, Christ the King, the Independence Monument, the Air Force Memorial and many others.

It would show crass stupidity not to appreciate the connection between the two localities.  There are those who through sheer ignorance foment division and hatred even more so by misusing religion.

In a Christian country we must strive for neighbourly love and respect. Floriana is the colourful introduction to Valletta.  Considering all this, one would expect that the buildings in Floriana be considered as an important feature and must be maintained and upgraded.  In both localities there are too many dilapidated units.  In the past I had written and suggested certain measures, which as far as I know, do not seem to have been considered. 

Animosity is not needed, friendship and unity provide for a better future, for another concord

As a start a small section should be used as a trial as it is not difficult to undertake a comprehensive modernisation.  Areas are becoming ghost towns with youths moving out and an aging population.  In the last 80 years the population dwindled to a third from its heyday.  It is ideal for a new approach in private-public partnership.  Including the periphery of Valletta, certain plots had been split into “independent” units which superimpose on each other with the result that they all became substandard housing not suitable for modern living.

To complicate matters, during the decades each unit now belongs to myriad owners.  It presents a Herculean Task or a Hobson’s Choice, but action must be taken without any further delay.  The government and each set of owners, voluntarily or by decree, must redevelop each plot, or adjacent plots, into modern living units.  The resulting apartments could be divided in the ratio of two to three as social housing and others sold at commercial value with the strict disposition that all must be used exclusively as domestic housing and not for commercial purposes.

A classical successful example is the Mandraggio development.  It is nice to have reconditioned balconies, but what about decent living space.  Are we seeking “painted tombs”?  If grouped together the units could also include underground parking, thus reducing confusion in streets.

An independent coordinating council with adequate representation uniting Valletta and Floriana could harmonise and integrate all the efforts within the fortified area as designed by Laparelli and Floriani. The present councils will still exist, but the truly independent super council will make sure of co-ordination and united planning.

The inner harbour committee is good, but the Sciberras Peninsula is unique and should be treated as such.  Animosity is not needed, friendship and unity provide for a better future, for another concord.  Many old towns had to undertake similar measures, and the best example is “New Town” in Edinburgh, which has become the pride of its residents.  Properly handled this could be the culmination of Valletta 2018 which from just culture it will move into the practical aspect of how to unite localities, how to resurrect and rejuvenate modern living and attract back the youths with their families. 

I am more than willing to meet, discuss and guide any official to explain what I have in mind.  Properly handled the financing of such projects will all be by private enterprise.

Frans Said is a pioneer radio broadcaster, wrote many original works and translated numerous contributions.

This is a Times of Malta print opinion piece