Could Project Green Represent A Fresh Take On Sustainable Infrastructure In Malta?
Project Green is the latest governmental organisation aimed at creating “a better quality of life for the people of Malta, with the creation, maintenance and invigoration of parks, gardens and other green infrastructure”.
The new state agency was formed to cater to the drastic need for more open spaces and alternative projects in Malta. The agency has as its mission a seven-year-plan for everyone to enjoy green recreational spaces a short walk from home, wherever they live.
The first project includes a park in San Gwann that will create a new space in the centre of the town of 6,500sqm – but Environment Minister Miriam Dalli has pledged that this project is only the beginning with a budget of €700 million to be spent on the ‘greenification’ of Malta.
This budget – if utilised correctly – could truly change our urban and rural areas with parks being built for the betterment of the quality of life.
New CEO Steve Ellul seems adamant on the environment and the importance of this agency in Malta.
Running the agency will not be easy, considering that Maltese people remain sceptical when it comes to promises made by the state when it comes to open spaces and infrastructure. That said, Project Green is a great opportunity for the current administration to consider the environment and the public, that is, if the project is executed properly and funds are utilised well.
The agency will not only focus on large projects but also smaller projects in urban areas, by transforming abandoned spaces in the centres of town into a variety of possible options for the benefit of the public.
The agency will also be involved in implementing and coordinating other smaller projects to turn abandoned spaces in town centres into gardens.
Ellul also pointed out that other projects are planned such as extensions to existing parks in Mosta and Żabbar, a park in Bengħisa, accessibility works at the Marsaskala Nwadar park and outdoor green campuses in areas where there is a higher concentration of students. Project Green will also assist local councils in upgrading village centres and squares.
Project Green presents a unique opportunity to give Malta more open spaces and green infrastructure, but it is important to ensure that the aim of the project remains the benefit of the public and not a smokescreen in order to facilitate private gain at the expense of the tax payer.
Do you think Project Green will lead to a positive outcome or be a waste of taxpayer money?
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