Our islands are adorned with natural and historical jewels some of which are World Heritage sites. Not least among these is our magnificent Grand Harbour, a unique geographical pearl. A pearl is polished and mounted onto precious metals and likewise our harbour deserves to be elevated to the splendour that it undoubtedly deserves. This is what a new Labour government will achieve through its 100 projects for the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett area. This is an ambitious task that, with diligence, hard work and commitment, will be completed by the year 2020.

The 100-project plan will stretch from Kalkara, Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua Marsa, Floriana, Valletta, Pieta’, Msida, Ta’ Xbiex, Gzira and on to Sliema. This holistic plan addresses the economic, social, infrastructural and environmental aspects of the whole region that will transform it from a largely neglected zone into an oasis. The major novelties will include the following:

A revamped land public transport network and an innovative sea transport circuit that will span the whole of the Marsamxett and Grand Harbour coastal perimeter. This will include a large engineering task of excavating a ditch beneath the Valletta fortifications that will connect both harbours by sea;

Affordable housing for Cottonera, Valletta, Floriana, Marsa and Msida;

Sports and recreational facilities together with a promenade around the grand harbour and Marsamxett harbour perimeter;

Upgrading of Rinella beach and rehabilitation of the area for better use of the local population;

Bighi will be converted into a five-star complex with underlying berths for super yachts.

We will give special attention to our capital city Valletta. The previous Labour government started this upgrading with the paving of Republic Street and had set the rebuilding of the National Theatre as its millennium project. Our intentions are more ambitious this time round and will include:

The definite architectural revamping of City Gate and Freedom Square, and finally, after 60 years, the redevelopment of the site of the former Old Opera House;

An underground parking and an extension of the VISET wharfs;

The comprehensive restoration of the historical buildings in the Valletta area including the fortification. This also applies to the Cottonera;

The Grand Harbour Authority that will co-ordinate the whole project, serve as a one-stop-shop and be entrusted with the launching of each project in the plan will be set up;

A new Labour government will go for Vision 2020 from day one. We will waste no time and shall work with all interested private enterprises to achieve this comprehensive set of projects. This plan is a clear indication of Labour’s unconditional trust in the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett zone.

With your vote you will make all this possible. We trust that you will make the right choice when the time comes on 8 March.

Charles Buhagiar is the MLP spokesman for public works, roads, public transport and construction