Over recent months, residents have observed surveying activity in part of Marsaskala Bay which, upon further inquiry, appears to be linked to plans for a new ferry landing, a statement issued by NGO Graffitti and the Marsaskala Residents Network said Friday.
The Transport Minister has confirmed that these plans are underway. However, this proposal has never been formally presented to residents, and its rationale and feasibility remain undisclosed and undiscussed. A letter sent to the Minister months ago by concerned residents - requesting clarification and consultation - has gone unanswered, the statement said.
Moviment Graffitti and the Marsaskala Residents Network said they strongly support investment in public transport. However, they are cautious about projects that may prioritise private or commercial interests over the needs of the public.
This is not the first time Marsaskala Bay has faced the threat of overdevelopment. Proposals for a water polo pitch with commercial facilities, and later a yacht marina, were met with strong public opposition and ultimately halted thanks to community mobilisation.
In their letter to the minister, the residents had raised questions about the environmental and social impacts of placing a ferry terminal in the middle of a bay that is actively used by residents and visitors. They also questioned the utility of constructing a new terminal just a few kilometres from the already-operational Cottonera ferry service.
If the minister has concrete answers and data supporting this proposal, he must engage in transparent and inclusive dialogue with residents, based on a comprehensive and evidence-based transport plan, the statement said.
In the absence of meaningful engagement, the proposed ferry infrastructure - located in the heart of a socially and environmentally sensitive bay - raises serious and legitimate concerns, including increased land traffic, pollution, foreshore occupation, and ecological degradation.
Above all, is this project truly intended to serve the transportation needs of residents, or is it designed to funnel mass tourism to the commercial establishments surrounding the bay?, the statement concluded.
In a reply on the social media, Transport Minister Chris Bonett said the government plans to extend the Tallinja by Sea service to include a route from Marsaskala to Valletta.
"Plans for this route are currently being developed, with one clear purpose: to provide an option for residents of the south for an alternative and efficient mode of transport. The aim is to offer another means-other than the car-to reach Valletta," he said.
Moreover, the ferry terminal will be part of a larger project that will see the regeneration of the Marsaskala promenade.
"As soon as the plans are completed - as I already did in Msida and with other projects - I will maintain continuous contact and active dialogue with you about this project, primarily with the Marsaskala Local Council, which is the body elected by the people to represent them," Bonett said.
"Let us not attack a project whose only goal is that, through its implementation, we will have an integrated sea transport system from the south to the north that serves everyone," he said.