An infrastructural project which has hung in the balance for nearly five years but whose works are to kickstart soon is posing a threat to the Vikings Sailing Club on its 30th anniversary due to the fact that the club has been served with an eviction order.
The project is to be developed on the present club’s premises in Floriana. The club, an NGO, has been operating since 1984 and had taken over the current premises in Haywarf 10 years ago through a unanimous Parliamentary vote but now, as a result of the planned project, it is forced to evacuate its premises within one month.
And what’s in for the cash strapped club which offers wholesome free activities for children and youths in return for the property apart from an eviction order? According to the club’s committee members no compensation whatsoever for past projects built within the premises and a offer of two garages as a replacement which need to be torn down and rebuilt from scratch.
Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius, who was today present for the inauguration ceremony of the sailing marathon organised by the club annually, said that the first fright he got soon after he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary was the news that the club would have to evacuate its premises after 30 years since its inception.
“At first, I was told by the committee that they had heard that they would eventually have to move out of the premises; my reply to them was to ignore such claims since it was based on hearsay.
“But later on, I was told the club would have to make way for an AFM EU funded project, and as a result may dent the club’s future,” Mr Agius told members of the media present.
Mr Agius assured the club’s committee members though that the government is working hard to relocate the club to premises which have the same facilities as the present one.
PN MP Robert Cutajar, who shadows sport, said that it was vital the club keeps offering the service it gives to over 200 families, by organising events which bring everyone together, including sailing marathons and said he hoped a compromise would be sought.
He said the club is based on three principles: their voluntary work, solidarity (since the club organises charitable events), and family values due to the fact that the club excels in bringing families and friends together under one roof.
Floriana local council mayor Nigel Holland also had a few comforting words to share with the club’s committee members: “I have been attending social activities organised by the club for several years; I hope the club’s future is secured, despite the difficulties that have arisen as a result of this project.”
He referred to the fact that the club’s premises are facing a threat as a “crucial moment for the club”, offering his support.
Committee member Gerald Portanier explained to this newsroom that the architect from the Lands Department declared the garages unsafe and said that the garages would have to be torn down and rebuilt but the club hasn’t the funds to do so.
Another point raised by Mr Portanier was that if they were to take up this request, the club would have to operate in a public road and a hardly adequate slipway.
Besides, revenue for the club is also generated through a floating pontoon which offers berthing for six sailing boats and therefore eliminating the need to charge children any fees other then the KMS subscription.