‘We Got What We Wanted, So The Protest Is Cancelled,’ Sandra Gauci Says About Buġibba Ficus Trees
A protest that was organised for tomorrow has been cancelled because public pressure paid off.
10 mature ficus trees that served as spots for roosting for over 800 birds were planned to be uprooted to make space for a medical clinic as well as a four-storey car park but a protest was planned against this move.
However, this was cancelled because authorities listened and ensured to find a way to have the health clinic and conserve the mature trees.
“The protest has been cancelled since we got what we wanted. The trees are saved for now,” ADPD leader Sandra Gauci told Lovin Malta.
Health Minister Chris Fearne stated that discussions were held with FMS this week to see if the project for the health clinic could be modified to conserve and protect the mature trees while also having a “modern building that will continue to ensure a health service of excellence”.
Despite this success, Gauci warned that the public will continue to follow this development.
“As residents, we believe that the area should be an open space for the people of Buġibba. Meanwhile, the proposed clinic, of which we are in favour, should be built behind HSBC on the bypass to create less congestion.”
BirldLife similarly posted about this development.
“Pressure works! Whilst we still need to see the full plans, we’re very happy to note that following our intervention, plans for a regional health centre in Buġibba will be modified to save the 10 mature Ficus trees on site!”
Health Minister Chris Fearne stated that discussions were held with FMS this week to see if the project for the health clinic could be modified to conserve and protect the mature trees while also having a “modern building that will continue to ensure a health service of excellence”.
The health centre is planned to be developed in Triq Port Ruman, Qawra and it will provide 24/7 outpatient health services in the community offering speciality services such as dental care, cardiology, day care surgery, sexual health care, ultrasound, bone densitometry, and echocardiography.
Despite this success, Gauci warned that the public will continue to follow this development.
“As residents, we believe that the area should be an open space for the people of Buġibba. Meanwhile, the proposed clinic, of which we are in favour, should be built behind HSBC on the bypass to create less congestion.”
BirldLife similarly posted about this development.
“Pressure works! Whilst we still need to see the full plans, we’re very happy to note that following our intervention, plans for a regional health centre in Buġibba will be modified to save the 10 mature Ficus trees on site!”
What do you make of this?