‘This Is Regression’: Omar Farrugia Criticises Mosta Council For Backtracking On Pedestrian Square
Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia has warned the new Mosta local council not to reverse a policy to partially pedestrianise the central square over the weekend.
“If the decision is revised in favour of cars, we will be looking backwards and not forwards,” Farrugia said.
“There should be national consensus that Malta needs more open spaces where residents can socialise and children can play. As I often said, I completely agree that more community spaces should be open to the public. As a former mayor, I understand the challenges caused by traffic and parking but I believe we can find solutions for them.”
“However, I certainly disagree with turning the clock backwards in the few times and areas where there is a little bit of open space. We must figure out how to expand our open spaces, not reduce them. The Department of Public Works will continue supporting local councils who want to implement this model in favour of the public. We, and no one else, must create the future.”
In one of its first decisions, the new PN Mosta council announced it will be consulting with residents and businesses on whether to reverse the pedestrianisation of the square on weekends. This followed complaints of heavy traffic and struggling business.
Former mayor Edwin Vassallo, who owns a clothes store in the area, has previously warned that people are unlikely to visit the new piazza unless new parking spaces are set up.
“Beautifying village centres is a good thing but stop ruining parking spaces,” Vassallo said in an interview with Lovin Malta.
“Parking is a real problem. People nowadays spend their free time at business locations that allow them to park. If there’s no parking there’s no life and people simply won’t go there.”
Should the Mosta piazza be pedestrianised?
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