Żminijietna – Voice of the Left appeals to Transport Malta to reconsider the whole project for the widening and realignment of Coast Road from Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq to Triq is-Salini.

In fact, the first proposal regarding this project seems to have been shelved as this was going to inflict massive damage to the environment in the area known as l-Erba‘ Mwieżeb, near Kennedy Groove, an area which is rich in its biodiversity and in agriculture.

The second proposal is also being criticised by the Environment Protection Directorate as it will encroach on a wetland at the mouth of il-Wied Ta’ Kieli , near Qalet Marku and will also result in a prominent scar in the landscape as a result of tearing down of the rock face in what is described as a landmark site. It includes also a significant diversion of the road carriageway onto the foreshore, which the EPD is saying “would constitute an even greater environmental impact.”

Żminijietna believes that any new development should protect and sustain these ecological values rather than undermining them. TM should take note of what the EPD is saying before committing itself to this ecological disaster.

We also believe that traffic accidents, notoriously common along the coast road, could be reduced by such systems as speed cameras and heavier fines for speeding, especially in a state under the influence of alcohol. Such mechanisms are already being applied in other areas in Malta.

If the proposed project is not sustainable ecologically then the application should not be considered by MEPA.

■ Richard Mifsud

PRO

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left