In his presentation, Prof. De Lucca explained that he was simply presenting the plan, not defending it. He said that the aspirations and concerns of the residents were taken into consideration in the drawing up of the master plan by Tatiana Khirova. He pointed out that it is simply a draft and not yet

conclusive.

One of the master plan’s proposals is that no cars should be allowed to park within the city walls and the residents raised their complaints about this at Prof. De Lucca’s presentation.

One of the residents said that it was ridiculous that such a relatively large number of drivers were given permits to enter Mdina. Prof. De Lucca explained that a historical core, such as Mdina, should ideally be left free of cars. In contemporary society everyone has become accustomed to conveniently parking as close to their home as possible, he continued, and therefore it would not be fair to deny the Mdina residents this right.

The aesthetic beauty of the buildings in the city can be appreciated to a greater degree if there are fewer cars, and therefore permits to enter the city with a car must be regulated.

As part of the rehabilitation of Mdina, Prof. De Lucca said that the project to pave the city’s roads is now underway. There had been delays due to technical details, he said, pointing out that the project carries with it a lot of responsibility and has to be done correctly.

Prof. De Lucca announced that the stone selected to pave the city, pietra ragusana, was chosen because it ties in with the city in colour and texture and can take the pressure of cars driving over it.

The committee gave an assurance that everything possible is being done to cherish Mdina and make sure that the project runs smoothly without trampling on anyone’s toes, if possible.

Comments on the master plan will be received until 15 May.