On Saturday evening, concerned residents of St Paul’s Bay gathered in Buġibba square to voice their discontent with the deteriorating state of their beloved hometown, which they described as resembling a “pigsty.”
Speaking to the media, Sandra Gauci, a resident of St Paul’s Bay and the leader of ADPD, expressed strong criticism towards the unchecked development that seemed to prioritize financial gain over the well-being of the community. She bemoaned the fact that every available corner and open space was being handed over to developers who displayed little consideration for the residents, resulting in an environment plagued by dust, dirt, and incessant noise.
Gauci brought attention to the deplorable condition of the public pavements, which were frequently littered with garbage, as well as the persistent disturbance caused by bars. She emphasized how the relentless pursuit of business interests had turned the residents into victims of excessive development. “We are exhausted from being treated as mere pawns by those who see St Paul’s Bay solely as a profit-making venture, completely disregarding the welfare of the residents,” she declared.
Also present at the gathering was Rosemarie Calleja, a lecturer and fellow resident of St Paul’s Bay, who shed light on the ongoing plans to further develop the struggling locality. She revealed a project proposed by the health ministry and Joseph Portelli, which entailed the construction of a regional health center along with an adjacent hotel.
Unfortunately, this development would lead to the demolition of a skate park and historic military structures dating back to the British era. Moreover, a 120-car parking lot was slated to be replaced by a four-story underground facility capable of accommodating over 850 vehicles. Calleja cautioned that such a surge in traffic would result in chaos within the area.
During her speech, Gauci drew attention to the dilapidated state of the pavements, which were constantly overwhelmed with overflowing garbage bags. She remarked, “Where once a single family resided, now ten people call it home.” Gauci expressed her disappointment with the neglect suffered by St Paul’s Bay, despite Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo’s promise to rejuvenate Buġibba square before the election.
She highlighted the discrepancy between the square being hailed as a “beautiful piazza” and its current state as a “monument to ugliness,” devoid of any aesthetic considerations or thoughtful planning. “Buildings of all shapes and sizes are erected side by side, as long as someone profits,” she lamented.
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