Mdina, the Silent City, has gone through an upgrading exercise during the past few years. The wires are out of sight, the streetlights are more in line with the historical background of the city and the streets look more contemporary with the architectural style of the buildings that surround them. A special effort has been made by all those involved to carry out an excellent job befitting a city that knows hundreds of years of history.

Some years ago, this government, benefiting in part from EU funds, rather than continuing to just criticise the rather neglected state of the city we are all so proud of, decided to take the bull by the horns and carry out what is now a major overhaul of the street infrastructure of this architectural jewel. The results today are positive; however, should we go a step further? The cost has not been cheap, with a bill exceeding Lm1.1million; however, the end result is all worth it. We should all be proud of the result – another success story wherein the ministry involved and the workers employed have excelled.

Now we have to keep up the standard and provide the necessary infrastructure to maintain top flight.

Parts of Mdina, with its narrow winding streets, are medieval and recall the Arab occupation of the island while the side housing Villegaignon Street, the Cathedral Square and Saint Paul’s Street are baroque, a necessary development that took place after the earthquake in the late 1600s which left part of the city in ruins. This coexistence of styles in itself goes to show, both to the Maltese and to the tourists who visit our island, the diversity of cultures which have come across our archipelago.

We have redone the drainage system, the water, electrical and telephone services; all of these have been fitted underground, mostly hidden under the sidewalks. Now that all the necessary work has been carried out, blending modern technology and utilities with the various historical periods, Malta should take a further bold step, moving the extra mile in providing the world with a unique experience.

Besides being very inviting for a Sunday afternoon walk or on cultural nights when the city comes alive, Mdina has always held a special place in the heart of the nation. Visiting it is a must for every tourist, and it compares favourably with the historic parts of various European cities, some of which do not even offer the same richness as our medieval capital does.

Mdina’s future

Would it be preposterous to suggest that, except for the transport of utilities during special hours when the Silent city has no visitors, Mdina should be kept clear and devoid of traffic? Unfortunately, this job well-done is already experiencing oil and fuel stains on its streets; in Villegaignon Street, in Cathedral Square, the Belvedere on top of the bastions at the far end of the city and in any street or alley where cars are parked out or providing a service in the city.

One may ask what the cost would be. I say that it should not be much if we can provide a “re-enactment” of life in the bygone days of such a city – an experience that every visitor to the city would appreciate and possibly make him return for a second visit, if not for more.

I believe it is high time that the necessary sum be provided by Heritage Malta, the Tourism and Culture Ministry as well as the central government to provide such a possibility. This could first be done on a trial basis so as to see whether it would be too cumbersome on the Mdina residents. However, I believe that this would be beneficial to them in the very first place.

The streets of Mdina were hardly built for cars and furthermore, its repeated use in various films, portraying another era, supports the thesis that this jewel in the Mediterranean should thus be kept unique.

May I dare suggest for the benefit of Mdina and its residents:

• The free provision of transport by other means (carriage or otherwise) for the residing population in the city during daytime hours and the restricting of vehicle facilities during night time, possibly through government paid electric cars for the elderly residents of the city.

• The free provision of transport of goods into the city as well as the collection of refuse by means which represent bygone eras, possibly with the use of government paid horse drawn carts.

• The free flow of weekly or bi-weekly historical enactments and cultural activities, which would not only enhance the uniqueness of the city but will bring it to life and make it the heart of our cultural past.

• The provision of free parking for every resident over 18 years of the city who has a car registered in his/her name in the area outside Greek Gate or in the ditch next to what used to be a football ground, below the bastions underlying the Bacchus Restaurant.

• The provision, through the administration of the services of the local council, of a service to residents which would curtail any discomfort which could ensue as a result of the elimination of motorised traffic in the city.

• The provision of transport for bulkier goods during special hours some two or three times a week and at specified hours.

Whatever the cost, the present administration has taken a step of no return. A step aimed at addressing the needs of this historical jewel and at its permanent upgrading. The project now needs financial backing and stricter regulations to ensure that, once we have taken the plunge to ensure a success story in the cultural and historical aspects connected with tourism, we do reach this goal and provide yet another reason for which Malta and Mdina should be a must to visit if one is the Mediterranean.

Last Saturday, Prime Minister Gonzi stated that the government was consigning to the city’s residents a better Mdina than it has been for quite a number of years.

This is so very true. However, let’s now make the effort to keep it as “The Silent City”, free from vehicle noise, fumes and exhaust – with pleasurable noises coming only from the celebrations of cultural activities and from the clatter and awe of those who visit.

Tony Abela is Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister