In light of the atrocious plans presented by Infrastructure Malta for the proposed Msida Creek project, NGOs and the concerned public have come together to demand that the plans for Msida Creek go back to the drawing board.
As it currently stands, the infrastructural project is ill-thought out, an assault on open public space, and pushes for the deterioration of a pedestrianised community hub. Any project proposed should seek to improve Msida not only in terms of traffic flow, but also in aesthetics, accessibility, and sustainability, with none of these aims being remotely close to being achieved with the current proposal.
A letter of demand has been written to be sent to concerned ministers, the Msida Local Council, as well as Infrastructure Malta. We urge you to show support for what we are demanding by sending your name and ID card number to this email: msidaflyover@gmail.com so that your name will be added to the list of endorsees.
The people of Msida deserve better.
Endorsed by Din l-Art Ħelwa, Friends of the Earth, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Moviment Graffitti, Ramblers Association Malta, The Archaeological Society Malta
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To: Hon. Dr Ian Borg, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects
Hon. Dr Aaron Farrugia, Minister for the Environment, Climate Change & Planning
Infrastructure Malta
Msida Local Council
Re: The Msida Creek Project
Together as residents, NGOs, and concerned individuals, we would like to express our grave concern with the Msida Creek project as it is currently proposed. While traffic congestion problems should not go unaddressed, the project as it has been proposed is atrocious. The locality of Msida is in need of long-term sustainable transport solutions as opposed to temporary band aids on congestion and parking problems, which will cost us millions in taxes, health costs, and unquantifiable quality of life costs.
The proposed flyovers will completely destroy the only green open space in Msida, as well as destroying a community space where children, the elderly, boċċi and tombola enthusiasts, and many others gather in order for this to be replaced by a car park. While parking problems do need to be addressed, however, one cannot justify the loss of green open community space in order to accommodate parking spaces. Relocating recreational areas to under or adjacent to the flyover is not a viable solution, as inhaling toxic vehicle emissions in the vicinity of such structures is proven to contribute to respiratory issues, cardiac problems, cancer, dementia, and even foetal health and fertility problems.
The flyovers would also effectively split Msida centre into two, forcing pedestrians and cyclists to use several cumbersome and impractical footbridges to get from one side to another. The footbridges present several problems. Once the photomontages were released, their size and design were met with strong criticism from the public, stating that they are completely out of place, as well as blocking the view of the church from several vantage points. One of the footbridges will also be constructed right in front of a block of apartments which will result in at least two storeys having their view of the sea completely blocked by this objectionable metal structure.
Accessbility is also an issue with cyclists questioning whether the lifts will accommodate their bicycles as well as wheelchair users, and persons pushing prams. Considering the number of pedestrians who cross from one side of Msida to another on a daily basis, the use of lifts will severely clog pedestrian traffic which constitutes a major problem for such a heavy pedestrian zone.
We therefore maintain that alternative proposals are to be put forward to replace the current Msida Creek project. We would like to put forward our own proposals; that this urban landscape is transformed into a new and improved public transport interchange with the potential to provide a major public open space, building on the historic context, strengthening the commercial potential and quality of life while maximising the potential of the mature trees in the existing playing field.
The idea is to better serve the residents, public transport commuters and the numerous students and facilitate the cycling experience as well as walking, often the transportation mode for those most vulnerable. In this sense, we feel it is important to understand the routes which these commuters use and provide the most direct and convenient movement paths to support them and further encourage a shift by others towards the use of sustainable transport modes. We would like to ensure that the needs of everyone are addressed.
We also insist that Social Impact Assessments and Environmental Impact Assessments are carried out for any project put forward, in order to better inform how the project will impact the people who live, work and frequent the area, as well as assessing the project’s environmetal impacts. The Msida Local Council needs to have a position on whichever project is proposed, considering the impact it will have on the locality.
This letter is signed by the following NGOs, as well as the residents and other members of the public who do not want to see the Msida Creek project go through as it currently stands.
