I fully agree with the government’s decision to change its plans for the area known as ix-Xaghra l-Hamra. Instead of a golf course that would have caused environmental damage and that would have been enjoyed by the few, we will now have a nature and history park that can be enjoyed by one and all.

It may be called a U-turn, but at the end of the day it shows that the government listens to what the people are saying and acts accordingly. Such a change indicates that the government is no bulldozer, as some would like to think, but is prepared to listen to people and, if necessary, change its mind if it is persuaded that it would be better in the national interest to do so.

The tourism industry might not be happy with the fact that a second golf course for Malta has been put on the back-burner once again. But they will soon realise that such a project will put Malta in better light with visitors from abroad. The nature and history park will be an attraction to them as well and tour operators will be able to organise trips to the park in the same way that they organise visits to Mdina and Valletta.

I am sure that, with good planning, the park will be a beautiful place where families can spend their afternoons. Malta does not have many open places, as can be seen from the large crowds of people who flock to Ta’ Qali, Buskett and Wardija every weekend. Well, the park at the Xaghra l-Hamra, once completed, will be another place they can go to.

David Vella

Birkirkara