A major construction site, especially the one connected with the main entrance of Valletta is set to pose enormous logistic problems. From day one a huge part of the existing city gate would have to cater for the needs of the construction site and would have to be completely closed or drastically narrowed for pedestrians.

This impasse would thus create an additional strain on the business flow in Valletta at a point in time when the business sentiment is already subdued. Some have convincingly pointed out that the planned Parliament building is not suitable to boost economic activity with long term positive effects.

Whereas works related to city gate and bridge could be ready in less than one year and the conservation of the ruins of the royal theatre would have no bearing at all on the flow of pedestrians, the parliament building would need at least four years to complete. The huge hole foreseen for the basement tells it all. Volumes of debris would have to be excavated with all the aftermaths ranging from far-reaching dust, unbearable noises, heavy vehicles for transport and an unsightly scene for four whole summers and winters. Indeed people will avoid this entrance and many will also avoid Valletta for a long time altogether.

One should not blame Piano for suffocating business during the construction phase. But parliamentarians should be blamed for this venture. There is no prescription cast in stone that the new Parliament should be at the entrance of Valletta. It is unacceptable and even bizarre that in a totally politicised country where politicians have achieved so little, self-inflating MPs encroach on such a prominent place in Valletta. Parliament could be located somewhere else in Valletta without creating further impasses to the already battered business community. The whole project smells more and more of a stalled government wishing to be seen as delivering.

I would suggest an open session of Parliament within the confines of the open ruins of the old opera after the summer recess. The business community of Valletta should be invited to this session. Besides experiencing what it looks like to ‘perform’ in an open theatre, MPs should debate two options. The first option comprises the plan for city gate with the bridge on the lines foreseen by Piano retaining Freedom square with the freed St. James Cavalier as a beautiful entrance with an open space. Such an option could also include a better exploitation of the ditch and could be carried out within one year. The second option with Parliament building takes at least four whole unsightly years with disrupted economic activity for Valletta to the sole benefit of the privileged 69.

Agnes Debono

Kercem