Pjazza San Ġorġ, the historic heart of Victoria, once stood as a symbol of unity and faith. Today, it has become a battleground where commercial interests overrun the fundamental rights of the community. Parishioners who dedicated their time and money to preserve their basilica now struggle to access it freely. They find themselves obstructed by tables, chairs, and commercial encroachments that authorities have shamefully failed to regulate.
For years, the Lands Authority, tasked with overseeing public land, ignored the warnings. Instead of ensuring fair access, it rubber stamped permits that allowed businesses to dominate the Pjazza. The Victoria Local Council sidelined by this administration had no other option but to watch developments. Meanwhile, the Planning Authority, which should have protected accessibility, failed to act. These same authorities disregarded the original 2007 plans drawn by the previous PN administration, designed to balance commerce and community needs, with no justification.
Parishioners protested, yet officials continued to ignore their calls. The situation deteriorated to one in which weddings and funerals at the basilica faced disruptions. Businesses expanded beyond permitted areas, leaving visitors to weave through a chaotic maze. When enforcement officers intervened, their actions proved ineffective. Establishments removed excess tables only to return them as soon as authorities left.
Public outcry forced the Lands Authority to propose a so-called 'master plan' (PA/284/25), a rushed and ill-conceived response that failed to address the real problem. This plan, drafted without consulting stakeholders, promised order but only reinforced existing issues. The Lands Authority excluded the Gozo Ministry from the discussion, despite its key role. Instead of collaboration, the Lands Authority acted alone, imposing a flawed solution on an already strained situation.
The plan offers no actual relief. Nearly half of the square remains occupied by tables and chairs, leaving the community to navigate the limited remaining space. Instead of fixing congestion, it formalises the imbalance. The lack of consultation with parishioners, business owners, activists, and local leaders exposes a blatant disregard for those most affected.
The crisis reached a breaking point last week when an elderly man collapsed in the Pjazza. An ambulance, blocked by merchandise displays and unauthorised setups, could not enter. Emergency responders had to carry the man on a stretcher, highlighting the dangerous consequences of neglecting accessibility. This was not an isolated event. It was an inevitable result of years of poor governance and disregard for public safety.
San Gorg parish priest Fr Joseph Curmi condemned the situation, emphasising that funerals face delays, weddings move elsewhere, and community gatherings struggle to take place. Because it is central to the town's identity, the church deserves better treatment. The parish rightly rejected the master plan, stating it solves nothing and contradicts Transport Malta's urban policies. The Diocese of Gozo must now intervene, as it has done on other major issues, and demand that authorities prioritise the rights of its faithful.
The pressure on the Lands Authority continues to mount. It must now meet with all stakeholders before pushing forward any plan. We must no longer bypass the Gozo Ministry, which represents the region's interests. Authorities must work together to find a fair and effective solution that stresses accessibility and safety.
Businesses have a right to operate, but not at the expense of the community's fundamental needs. Pjazza San Ġorġ must return to its rightful purpose: a shared space where commerce and religious life coexist in harmony. The current situation is unsustainable and requires immediate change. Real enforcement, transparent decision-making, and proper coordination among authorities must replace the current disorder.
Failing to address these issues has long-term implications. If the authorities do not step up now, future generations will inherit an even worse situation, where public spaces become playgrounds for commercial exploitation rather than community gathering spots. The erosion of accessibility affects not only San Ġorġ Basilica but sets a dangerous precedent for the management of public areas across Gozo. Other town and village centres could face similar takeovers if the authorities refuse to implement fair, transparent, and enforceable policies. Given these circumstances, there is no time to waste, and swift action is absolutely necessary.
Residents have grown increasingly frustrated, feeling ignored by those who should be defending their rights. This frustration is not without cause. When a community that has faithfully preserved its heritage for centuries finds itself locked out of its own sacred spaces, this means that something has gone terribly wrong. The authorities should not wait for further outbursts of anger to take meaningful action. They must listen now, before the damage becomes irreversible.
Planners never intended for excessive commercial setups to obstruct the streets leading to Pjazza San Ġorġ. Urban planning should respect the needs of both businesses and the community, not create an unfair advantage for one at the expense of the other. If the authorities truly cared about fair governance, they would have ensured that businesses adhered to their permits from the very beginning. Instead, lax enforcement created chaos, forcing residents to fend for themselves and hindering them from a properly regulated space.
Some officials have attempted to downplay the issue, suggesting that businesses are simply trying to survive. While economic activity is essential, it cannot justify the complete takeover of a public space. Pjazza San Ġorġ is not private property. It belongs to everyone, and that includes Giorgiani who have worshipped at the basilica for generations. We must defend their rights with the same energy and enthusiasm as those of business owners.
There's a chance for the government to wake up and change direction. The ability to acknowledge the mistakes leading to this situation allows it to enforce proper regulations and restore order in the Pjazza. It can prevent businesses from exceeding their permits and ensure emergency access remains uncompromised. It must coordinate with the Gozo Ministry to develop a real, long-term strategy for Pjazza San Ġorġ that respects all stakeholders, rather than acting unilaterally as it has done in the past.
Those in power must also recognise the symbolic importance of this issue. What happens in Pjazza San Ġorġ reflects broader governance failures. If the authorities allow this space to remain a chaotic, inaccessible mess, they send a coherent message that public interest comes second to private profit. That is completely and utterly unacceptable under any circumstances.
History will judge those who allowed this travesty to unfold. The Giorgiani merit their Pjazza back. The time for action is now. Authorities must wake up to listen, act, and restore dignity to one of Gozo's most historic and cherished spaces. No more empty promises, no more rushed masterplans. Pjazza San Ġorġ needs real leadership, firm action, and a commitment to fairness.