Perhaps I was not the only one struck by the recent structures in our capital city. Walking through Merchant Street last week, I came across large models, or interventions along the street. It was rather unusual to see this street being used for exhibitions like this, and the Prime Minister was right to point out how good it was that this street was totally pedestrianised, now allowing an exhibition of this sort to take place as opposed to cars driving through incessantly.
I later spoke to a group of enthusiastic students from the faculty of architecture, which produced these projects. The underlying theme was the regeneration of the capital city, but it was tackled in a different manner, I was told. As a general rule, people comment or just propose what may be done in certain areas, however these students felt that this was not the best way forward at this point in time. Their aim was not to propose how different sites such as freedom square or buildings such as the opera house should be rebuilt, and how. They were more interested in provoking reactions from the man in the street, reactions that would lead to a fruitful dialogue. And perhaps they are right.
The recurring issue dealing with the regeneration of our city is being tackled, however i do believe that the public should have a proper say. There are other areas around the Maltese Islands that need to be addressed. It is indeed a pity that we sometimes fail to realise the potential that we are blessed with. Our heritage is something we should all be proud of, and I can assure you that considering our size and population we own an impressive deal.
The government is taking a leading role in this respect, and promises are being kept. This is actively being done not solely by creating awareness, but also by taking action. Actions like the rezoning of the areas near Villa Bologna and the Belvedere Tower in Lija.
Conserving areas like those just mentioned, and the many other that exist around the Islands is of utmost importance. The same should be said for the Urban Conservation Areas (UCAs) found in every village.
We must realise that it is not just Valletta that needs to be addressed, but also the three cities and all the Urban Conservation Areas in all villages. These areas are a true gem, and it is not just our politicians and NGOs that should take this into account. I do sincerely believe that there needs more public dialogue regarding this matter – you and I own this and we should tackle these issues just as they were our own.
In the light of these actions, one cannot fail to mention the NGOs. Although some regard these entities as time-wasters, they must be lauded. Their contribution is of great value, in every respect. For this I would like to thank all those who have worked incessantly placing the interests of their country before anything else. We have seen how the government has listened carefully and acted on stances parallel to those taken by NGOs.
An interesting structure erected by these students was a ‘for sale’ sign right underneath city gate. Together with the other passers by I found this a rather queer intervention, however it was then explained that that sign was meant to make us imagine that city gate and the surrounding areas were for sale. Would we care more about them? Would we discuss them with more conscientiousness and passion? I am quite sure we would. Well done to all the students who made this exercise possible.
It is crucial that awareness is created and that these matters are discussed with responsibility, however we must also start to take decisions. It is time to consider the involvement of the private sector in collaboration with the government to conserve our precious heritage, something that has been done recently. Let us embrace our heritage, and together with the government make sure that these unique parts of us will continue to make us proud Maltese citizens.
www.davidcasa.eu