Attard council comes out against Central Link

The Attard Local Council on Monday evening approved a motion to oppose the Central Link Project. The two Labour councillors voted against the motion, in favour of the project.

The project includes the construction of a by-pass on what is currently agricultural land.

Prior to the motion, the local council had not taken any position on the project, although it had attended meetings held by the Attard Residents Environmental Network (AREN), which vehemently opposes the project.

The council appeals to Transport Malta to follow its strategic and master plan, insisting on a modal shift in transport. It says the project goes against the government’s own transportation policies. In the motion, the councilors argue that while traffic problems are real, the government had not exhausted all its other options to reduce congestion before deciding to push forward with the Central Link Project.

The Central Link Project, according to the government, aims to improve the route starting from the Mrieħel bypass in the direction of Birkirkara, Balzan and Attard, through to the Saqqajja Hill roundabout, which connects Ta’ Qali, Attard, Rabat, Żebbuġ and Mosta.

In a statement, the Attard Residents Environmental Network has welcomed the position taken by the council.

“AREN appreciates the fact that the government has made itself available, especially Minister Ian Borg, who met with the residents in order to resolve this issue, which will affect thousands of people.”

The Malta Independent yesterday reported that the group had had a ‘positive’ meeting with the transport minister on Monday. AREN put forward a number of proposals, including one on the proposed pedestrian bridge, described as “monstrous” by the organisation.

It is encouraging the Attard Local Council and the government to continue engaging in further discussions and to consider alternatives which have the least environmental impact.