It's hard to ignore the fenced-off Belvedere Walkway at Tigné Point. Closed back in October 2024 for what MIDI plc termed "precautionary structural repairs," this vital public link remains inaccessible seven months later. What was supposed to be temporary now feels disturbingly permanent, raising serious questions about commitment and responsibility.

The need for repairs wasn't sudden news; concerns about the walkway's condition were flagged publicly by Arnold Cassola as early as October 2022. Yet, decisive action seemingly only came when the walkway was deemed unfit for use altogether. Since then, progress appears stalled. Reports suggest disagreements over who should ultimately foot the bill - the developer, the Lands Authority, or the local council.

However, focusing on 'who pays' arguably misses the point. Significant profits have been generated from the Tigné Point development over the years. Given this commercial success, ensuring the proper, ongoing maintenance of integral public infrastructure like the Belvedere Walkway should surely be considered a fundamental responsibility tied to the project, not an expense to be debated or avoided. Regardless of the internal discussions, the undeniable result is a loss for the public: residents have lost a convenient route, tourists a scenic viewpoint, and the area now showcases its neglect.

This situation makes me pause and consider the bigger picture. There's a fundamental expectation that when major developments incorporate public spaces, mechanisms are in place to ensure their long-term upkeep. These aren't just nice-to-haves; they are often part of the agreement, explicit or implicit, that allows development in the first place. One should insist that commitment to long-term maintenance should be a prerequisite for any major project moving forward, and failure to respect such terms should result in severe penalties proportional to the scale of the project.

When a key piece of public infrastructure tied to a large project like Tigné Point is left unusable for such an extended period, it inevitably damages confidence.

And this is where the connection to Manoel Island becomes unavoidable. MIDI is the entity seeking to develop the only remaining green lung in this urbanised area. The scale and sensitivity of the Manoel Island project are magnitudes greater than a single pedestrian walkway. Seeing the prolonged inaction and apparent struggle over responsibility at Tigné Point, how can the public feel assured about the stewardship of Manoel Island? If maintaining this walkway proves so problematic as the Tigné project, what guarantees do we have for the far more extensive public commitments promised for Manoel Island?

This situation goes beyond simple inconvenience; it strikes at the heart of trust and accountability. Fixing the Tigné Belvedere Walkway is a basic responsibility that should have been addressed long ago. Restoring public access here is merely correcting a protracted failure. While essential, it does little on its own to address the broader concerns surrounding MIDI plc's suitability for the immense responsibility of developing Manoel Island. That project demands separate, rigorous scrutiny based on comprehensive plans and a proven, consistent commitment to public interest and long-term stewardship. Such commitment is currently undermined by the handling of Tigné.

Ultimately, we need a fundamental shift towards developers and authorities ensuring our shared public spaces are treated with respect and diligently maintained, not left neglected while attention shifts to the next profitable venture.

Mark Camilleri Gambin is General Secretary at Momentum.