In light of the plans presented by Infrastructure Malta for the proposed Msida Creek project, NGOs, residents and concerned members of the public have come together to demand that the plans for Msida Creek be sent back to the drawing board.

A letter of demand has been written and sent to concerned ministers, the Msida local council, as well as Infrastructure Malta. This letter has been endorsed by over 200 concerned residents and citizens, as well as a number of NGOs; namely Din l-Art Ħelwa, Friends of the Earth Malta, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, Moviment Graffitti, Ramblers' Association Malta and The Archaeological Society Malta.   

"As it currently stands, not only is the infrastructural project ill-thought out, but is 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. Msida residents and the Maltese people deserve better," a statement issued by Moviment Graffitti on behalf of those who endorsed the letter reads.

The letter, reads that the proposed flyovers will completely destroy the only green open space in Msida, as well as destroy 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, 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."

They also highlighted that accessibility 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."

The objectors asked that alternative proposals 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 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 environmental impacts. The Msida Local Council needs to have a position on whichever project is proposed, considering the impact it will have on the locality."