Mosta Divides Over Pedestrianisation of Square

Jul 24 2024

The Mosta square started off by being closed off on Saturday evenings and Sundays earlier this year, with any traffic being diverted away from the area. However, the new Mayor of Mosta, Joseph Gatt stated that the partial pedestrianisation of the square was being reconsidered due to complaints received from residents and businesses close by. The complaints resulted from heavy traffic accumulating in the alternatives routes which was keeping customers at bay.

However, Jason Micallef, the Chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency reacted to Gatt’s statement, claiming that the Mayor is lying by saying that the decision had not yet been made and that the decision would be finalised in October.

However, the resoltution of the Joe Gatt and the PN councillor Thomas DeMartino declares the decision of Gatt that the pedestrian zone in Mosta Square on weekends would cease immediately and permanently, effective from the 1st of September.

Chris Bonnett, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, said in a Facebook post that although he too was “sceptical” about the pedestrianisation of the Square on weekends at first, he began to believe that it was a good decision. Amidst the current division within the Mosta community, he stated that this is a decision he is going to “defend”.

Antione Zammit, the architect involved in the redesigning of the square said that the only valid argument against the partial pedestrianisation was that of the residents living next to the square which had a longer journey home due to the alternative routes. He followed this by saying that the design would be beneficial as it reduced traffic in the centre as well as reduced emissions, making the square a space for families to meet without worrying about cars.

Omar Farrugia, the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works shares a similar opinion to the Architect, saying that “if this decision is revised in favor of cars, we will be looking backward rather than forward in these matters”. Farrugia argues that the country needs more spaces open for socialisation and where children can play.

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Local Artist Mark Mallia Passes Away

Jul 23 2024

Local artist Mark Mallia has sadly passed away at the age of 59 due to illness, leaving a void in Malta’s art community.

Tributes poured in as news of Mallia’s passing spread across social media. Known for his candid approach to life, Mallia was celebrated for his thought-provoking and boundary-pushing art pieces that significantly contributed to Malta’s local art scene.

Friends and followers of the artist remembered him as a vibrant personality who lived life to the fullest.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Mallia was also dedicated to philanthropy, frequently raising funds for ALS Malta.

RIP Mark.

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lVANt And Villabianca Join Forces For Performance

Jul 23 2024

lVANt has joined forces with the Villabianca band for a performance last Sunday which surely was a crowd pleaser.

Villabianca is a specialised music initiative aimed at contributing to and helping individuals and communities with disabilities. It was set up by the Malta Trust Foundation with the help of President Emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

The initiative organised by the Kunsill Reġjonali Lvant , has been moving around various localities in the Eastern region of Malta, giving an opportunity to up and coming local musicians and well-established artists to give back to the community.

The lVANt project has hosted various different artists such as Klinsmann, The Travellers and Skald.

Later on this evening, the iconic van will be making it’s way to Mrieħel to host legendary Maltese band Red Electric at the Quad.

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Etna Eruption Halts Malta-Catania Flights

Jul 23 2024

Flights between Malta and Catania have yet again been halted and disrupted due to Mount Etna erupting for a second time this month.

The iconic Sicilian volcano erupted early on Tuesday morning, with videos of the natural phenomenon happening live going viral all over social media.

Three Maltese flights between Malta and Catania have already been affected.

Flight FR367 from Malta to Catania, scheduled for 1:35 pm, was redirected to Trapani. Passengers will travel by coach from Trapani to Catania. The return flight from Catania, FR368, has been cancelled.

Additionally, flight FR1565, originally set to travel from Vienna to Catania, was rerouted to Malta, landing at 11:07 am. The flight then departed Malta at 1:10 pm and is currently en route to Palermo.

It has also been confirmed by the Catania Airport, that the airport will be shutting down and suspending flight operations due to eruptions and ash emissions.

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