The Monti in Marsaxlokk might be temporarily relocated until the works on the promenade are completed. A government spokesperson has confirmed that the market will still be held on the promenade but the vehicles of the Monti hawkers will be relocated to a car park.

Despite confirming the move, the government did not divulge where the relocation will take place.

The idea to have one of Malta’s most touristic markets moved was first whispered in last year’s budget. In fact, the measure is included in the government’s thick book which lists the number of measures proposed in the 2015 budget and which ones were implemented or not.

According to the document, measure number 176a is entitled “Relocation of the market in Marsaxlokk and rehabilitation project”. It states that through this measure, the government wants to find the best way to assist residents and local business communities which also includes Monti hawkers who earn their income through this market.

The project falls under the remit of the Prime Minister. In the first quarter of the year 2016, the government filed an application before the Planning Authority to acquire the necessary permits for a new parking area for hawkers in Triq il-Kavallerizza. Between July and September of this same year, the draft tender document for the setting up of the parking was finalised.

According to the same document, the permits from the Planning Authority are expected to be issued by end of this year together with the tender.

Replying to questions sent by The Malta Independent, a government spokesperson explained that the Marsaxlokk regeneration project envisages a more organized market. The Market will still be held on the promenade and vehicles of Monti hawkers will be relocated to a car park. The only relocation that might take place might be a temporary one for a very short time until works in the exact area are completed.

“This leads to a more accessible and more organized area. Various stakeholder meetings have been held and a public consultation process has already taken place.”

The Monti relocation in Marsaxlokk will occur when the government embarks on the €6 million proposed regeneration project. “The regeneration aims to give a better quality of life to the residents. This includes pedestrian areas, better traffic flow and the aim to strike a balance between commercial and touristic activities in a fishermen’s village,” the government reply said.

The iconic Maltese fishing village hosts two markets; one which is set up daily from Monday to Saturday which usually sells tourist items like souvenirs, and a market which is set up on Sundays selling fresh fish.