د . إAEDSRر . س

University Of Malta Sports Ground Will Be Turned Into Parking Area Due To ‘Sudden Closure’ Of Other Car Park

Article Featured Image

Plans have been released to turn the University Sports Ground into a car park, and it’s getting some heavy backlash online. These plans are a response to the University’s blocking of part of Car Park 6, which has reduced the amount of available parking spaces on the premises.

KSU President Carla Galea said that the proposed solution by the University was a response to the reality that “students can’t change their mentality in a couple of days” and just stop using their cars.

“Of course I’m concerned… there was no contingency plan from anyone and KSU needed to find a solution”

Galea told Lovin Malta that while they had been having talks with University admin regarding the multiple new projects taking place this year and next, they were never told of the effect that it would have on availability of parking.

“KSU and students were not informed from beforehand regarding the fewer car park spaces that would be available,” Galea said. “Considering that there was such a sudden closure, students became frustrated. There has been no contingency plan from the University or anyone else, while our alternative modes of transport campaign was not pushed either. Now we must face the grave situation we are in.”

Galea asserted that the University’s plan is very temporary and will only last one semester, while new project to improve the Sports Ground area is planned for next year. She called on students, university staff and others to use this as a deadline to start considering how to be less dependent on their cars for travelling.

“Hilarious, sad and pathetic. A ground that has been in desperate need of renovations for far too long”

Some students were not supportive of the change at all. Most noted that everyone would be better off improving the conditions of the track and sports ground, rather than turning it into a parking ground.

Others noted that athletes commonly use the track to train, while families often spend afternoons there on a sunny day. However, they commented that turning it into a car park would most likely halt these events.

Some decided that when in despair, it’s better to just laugh.

While some noticed how easy students have it in Malta when compared to most European students who have to travel by long distances by walk, train or bus just to get to their lectures.

An MEP candidate and environmental warrior even weighed in on the situation.

KSU are involved in ongoing talks with the University of Malta and Transport Malta to try and come up with a “proper plan” for the parking issue. “Our role is to represent and protect the students,” said Carla Galea.

What do you think about using the University Sport Ground as a car park? Let us know in the comments

READ NEXT: KSU Calls To Be Included In Talks As Fewer Car Park Spots Available For University Students

You may also love

View All