ADPD calls for safeguarding of green spaces

While the greening of urban spaces, especially in areas where these are lacking, is commendable, it is likewise important that the open spaces that we currently have in urban areas are safeguarded, and if possible enlarged and not encroached upon, ADPD - The Green Party Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said.

Addressing a press conference on the site in Gżira where part of a garden was proposed for replacement by a petrol station, Cacopardo said that on the Gżira site it was unbelievably proposed that part of an existing garden is taken over, of all things, by an extension to a petrol station. This is not on for at least two reasons. While Government is supposed to be investing in greening urban areas, something that is undoubtedly commendable should it be implemented in the proper manner, we should first start by safeguarding what we currently have and, if possible, extend it.

“Moreover, it is Government’s declared policy that cars on our roads are reduced to 41% of the number we had in 1990. Moreover, as we move towards the electrification of cars, the number of petrol pumps required will diminish and not increase! Indeed, it would have been much more reasonable that instead of encroaching on an existing garden for a petrol station, the same station makes way for the garden to be enlarged. We need this green lung while the petrol station is not necessary!”

Cacopardo stated that our urban zones will become more liveable by speeding up the implementation of the policy to reduce the number of cars on our roads, making space for open spaces. This requires that basic services are, as far as possible, available in our urban zones, thereby reducing our dependency on private cars.

We all agree on the benefit of creating open spaces accessible for all, but it should be done properly. This must be carried out in a way that avoids past mistakes. While the greening of urban spaces – especially in areas where these are lacking - is commendable, it is likewise important that open spaces that we currently have in urban areas are safeguarded and if possible enlarged and not destroyed,” concluded Cacopardo.