Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1509678
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 MARCH 2022 OPINION 3 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 OCTOBER 2023 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications Msida Creek Project lacks basic connectivity for alternative transport users WE condemn the decision taken by the Planning Authority on 12 October, 2023 regarding the Msida Creek Pro- ject. The Msida Promenade with its sur- rounding businesses is an important public open space available within walking distance for Msida and Pietà residents. It is a natural valley right in between two of the largest education institutions (University and Junior College), hospitals, startups and some of the busiest business and residential centres. A large number of commuters travel between these areas every day, many of whom are youths or el- derly, as well as residents and visitors who seek alternatives to private vehicles. There is a large flow of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users on a daily basis. Over the past three years, our organisa- tions have provided in-depth feedback on the project, through numerous meetings, articles and actions. An improvement was evident to the 2019 version, and our first reaction was positive. The proposed bridges with lifts to cross a road were removed. However, we cannot compare what was previously proposed with what is currently being proposed. We need to compare the existing scenario with what is currently being proposed. The project still lacks basic connectivity for alternative transport users, including pedestrians, bus users, cyclists and wheel- chair users. Instead of prioritising active and public transport, and place-making for a village square, the project has funda- mentally wrong objectives, inviting more through-traffic by prioritising improved traffic flow and increased parking spaces. The project even goes against the gov- ernment's 35 million project to create a cycling network in the central region of Malta. We are against the construction of a flyover in the middle of a residential and urban area. It is a terrible planning decision. The residents and business commu- nities surrounding Msida Creek would benefit from a high-quality urban envi- ronment that allows for recreation and physical activity, which improves and supports public health and social wellbe- ing. Instead of another traffic island, the area could be an attractive place for retail and leisure activities, inviting people to spend time in the area and socialise. Rota Moviment Graffitti Friends of the Earth Democracy is a humanist value IS what the Prime Minister said real- ly that worrying? Didn't we all know that 'This is how our political system works'? Why does it matter that he said it on the record? Quoting from the 2023 Copenhagen Declaration on Democracy: "As hu- manists, we maintain that democracy should be a fundamental value… every- one should be heard with equal dignity and respect." Democracy is not just a political process; democracy is a powerful tool for the realisation of social justice, human dignity, and the common good based on equality and participation of citizens. The idea that 'helping' a number of citizens bypass the established system is an inevitable part of our political system flies directly in the face of these ideals. If the system is not working for everyone, then it needs to be changed. Going back a few weeks to the benefits racket, if there was the need for further support to a number of genuine cases which were falling through the net, why not improve the system for all? Again, from the Copenhagen Dec- laration: "For society to function, it needs norms, laws and regulations". "Democracy is not the tyranny of the majority. It must go together with hu- man rights protections, the rule of law, and a commitment to social progress." Perhaps these are just lofty ideals and should be dismissed as unattaina- ble? Should we just give up and accept that things will always be like this? The highly-respected Economist Intelligence Unit publishes an annual Democracy Index. Malta is classed as a flawed democracy, seventh in the list behind the Czech Republic, Greece, Estonia, Portugal, Israel, the USA, Slo- venia and Botswana, with a noticeably lower score on 'Political Participation'. It doesn't take much convincing that the higher up the scale, the better is the life of the average citizen, particu- larly the most vulnerable amongst us. So rather than being just a word, an idealistic concept, democracy is some- thing we should painstakingly work towards. Accepting - and even worse normalising - the way things are be- cause they have always been that way surely won't help us progress. We call on all governments, institu- tions, and individuals to uphold and protect democratic values as a corner- stone of human dignity, justice, and freedom. Prof. Christian Colombo and Joanna Onions for Humanists Malta