Alternattiva Demokratika and the Sliema local council are in agreement that once Bisazza Street has been pedestrianised, buses should not pass through the road.

Alternattiva Demokratika said it is disappointing that Resources Minister George Pullicino and Transport Minister Austin Gatt are unable to coordinate their efforts. AD Chairperson Michael Briguglio, a former Sliema councillor, believes that buses should pass through the Qui-si-sana and Tigné seafronts, making it easier for residents of these areas to have access to public transport.

“Bisazza Street has been pedestrianised, it should remain as such. Since traffic on the Qui-si-sana and Tigné seafronts has increased, we appeal to transport authorities to be stringent on transport – irrespective of the type – which generates pollution. Such pollution is harmful to the health of residents and pedestrians in the area.”

He insisted it is crucial that the hardship “imposed” on residents of the Qui-si-sana and Tigné areas be alleviated as soon as possible. Contacted yesterday afternoon, Sliema deputy mayor Cyrus Engerer said the council will be holding a press conference on the matter this week.

The council totally agrees with the pedestrianisation, he pointed out. Although some councillors had abstained from voting during a council discussion on the pedestrianisation of Bisazza Street, this was because they felt the council had not been consulted enough. Late last week, the council wrote to the Prime Minister asking for his intervention in the matter.

The council is in agreement the pedestrianisation is positive and should not be compromised. The money spent in embellishment works should not go to waste, said Mr Engerer. “Moreover, the pedestrianisation is positive economically because it is generating more business for the shops and consequently more revenue for the government,” Mr Engerer concluded.