Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546095
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 7 AUGUST 2026 NEWS Reclaiming Victoria: Putting residents at the heart of our historic city OPINION Mgr Dr Joe Vella Gauci AS a resident living in the heart of Victoria, I have witnessed a gradual but persistent ero- sion of the quality of life that once defined our historic city centre. While Victoria continues to serve as Gozo's social, cultural and com- mercial hub, increasing traffic volumes are placing immense pressure on public spaces, the environment and the people who call this place home. The streets of Victoria were never designed to accommodate the volume of vehicles that now pass through them daily. Congestion has become a routine experience, particularly at peak hours, creating bottlenecks that affect residents, visitors, and businesses alike. The impact is not merely one of inconvenience. Traffic generates noise, air pollution, and safety concerns, diminishing the enjoyment of public spaces and reducing opportunities for social interaction and community life. Residents increasingly find themselves com- peting with vehicles for space in their own neighbourhoods. Streets that should encour- age walking, conversation and local activity are often dominated by queues of traffic, ille- gal parking and frequent traffic infringements. The result is an environment where heritage buildings and traditional urban spaces are overshadowed by the demands of modern mo- bility. At the same time, there appears to be a lack of clear ownership of many of these challeng- es. Responsibilities related to traffic man- agement, enforcement, maintenance, public cleanliness and infrastructure often fall across multiple authorities and agencies. While each entity may have a specific remit, the cumula- tive effect is fragmentation. Residents are fre- quently left uncertain as to who is responsible for addressing particular issues, while prob- lems persist without coordinated action. Victoria requires a new approach. Rather than addressing traffic, enforcement and pub- lic space as separate concerns, a localised and integrated management concept should be de- veloped specifically for the city's unique urban and cultural context. Such a framework must place residents at its centre while recognising the needs of businesses, visitors and service providers. The traffic management plan im- plemented in Mdina comes readily to mind. I am convinced that, by using the Mdina model as a template, a comprehensive and effective strategy can be tailored to address the specific realities and needs of Victoria, thereby achiev- ing maximum impact. The objective should not be to restrict access to Victoria but to manage it more intelligently. Improved traffic circulation, better enforce- ment, enhanced pedestrian priority and stra- tegic parking solutions can help reduce un- necessary vehicle movements while preserving accessibility. Public spaces should be designed and managed to encourage walking and social interaction, reinforcing the living cultural her- itage that makes Victoria distinctive. Importantly, this approach should recog- nise that the city is not simply a destination but a living community. The traditions, daily routines and social networks of residents are an integral part of Victoria's cultural identity. Protecting this living cultural phenomenon is just as important as preserving the city's his- toric buildings and monuments. Victoria's future prosperity depends on find- ing a sustainable balance between mobility, economic activity and quality of life. By es- tablishing a coordinated local framework that brings together all relevant authorities and stakeholders, we can create a city that remains vibrant and accessible while reducing the negative impacts of traffic. The goal should be clear: a Victoria where residents can once again enjoy their environment, businesses can flourish, and visitors can experience the au- thentic character of a thriving historic city. Preparations underway for 2026 Agriculture and Crafts Exhibition GOZO minister Clint Camill- eri, visited the ongoing prepa- rations for the 2026 Agricul- ture and Crafts Exhibition at the Villa Rundle Gardens in Victoria. The exhibition, which will be held on 14 and 15 August, forms part of the traditional Santa Marija festivities. Dur- ing the visit, the Minister was briefed on the work being carried out to complete the exhibition spaces, stands and various display areas, while also meeting with the workers and organisers involved in the preparations. Camilleri thanked the work- ers, organisers, the Agricul- tural, Industrial and Cultur- al Society, farmers, livestock breeders, artisans and all the volunteers who are contribut- ing to making this year's exhi- bition another success. He said, "Having visited the preparations, I am pleased with the commitment and ded- ication shown by everyone in- volved in ensuring that this ex- hibition is once again a success. The Agriculture and Crafts Exhibition is much more than a traditional event; it is a show- case of Gozitan identity, the tireless work of our farmers and livestock breeders, the skills of our artisans and the quality of our local products. By contin- uing to invest in initiatives like these, we are strengthening our cultural and rural heritage and proudly passing it on to future generations." The history of the Agriculture and Crafts Exhibition dates back to 1855. It is one of the oldest and longest-established cultural events in Gozo and forms an important part of the Santa Marija celebrations. Over the years, the exhibition has evolved from an agricultur- al display into a full celebration of rural life, local produce, an- imals, crafts and Gozitan iden- tity. The exhibition programme will include displays of fruit and vegetables, poultry, rab- bits, livestock, agricultural machinery and handicrafts, to- gether with activities for chil- dren, traditional food and folk entertainment. Camilleri invitied Gozitan and Maltese families, as well as everyone visiting Gozo dur- ing the Santa Marija feast, to attend the exhibition and join in celebrating everything that makes Gozo unique. The Minister was briefed on the work being carried out to complete the exhibition spaces, stands and various display areas