Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar welcomes and supports the Gzira Local Council initiative to reclaim public access to Manoel Island and to allow the public to make use of these areas for recreation and swimming.
The Sliema, Gzira area is choking with traffic congestion, all our open areas are being commercialised at an alarming rate and the public is being deprived of its access to practically all public spaces and beaches.
The foreshore is automatically recognised as being in the public domain under the Public Domain Act. Back in July, FAA had filed all the relevant documentation with the Planning Authority and the relevant ministries to have 14 areas, including Manoel Island, as a whole, to be categorised as being in the public domain. To date the authorities have not replied showing that they do not care for residents plight.
Manoel Island is the only wooded green oases between Msida and Madliena. Successive governments have ignored all the international studies that show that green areas and especially trees are essential to residents’ physical health while improving children’s concentration and academic achievements and helping those suffering from mental health issues. Malta’s heritage is a national asset to benefit the public, and should not be sold off. In the light of Manoel Island’s heritage status, FAA reiterates its plea to the Government to declare Manoel Island a much-needed national heritage and nature park – Manoel Island should be the area’s green lung, our Central Park.
