Kappara kindergarten

Following the report about the news conference by the San Gwann local council on August 23 regarding application 3992/04 before the Malta Environment and Protection Authority for the development of a kindergarten at The Loft in Triq il-Virdun, Kappara, a street located next to the Regional Road, I would like to make some important points.

The application for change of use clearly indicated that it is only the basement that is to be used as a kindergarten; the other two floors of the property are to be retained for habitation purposes. The classroom area consists of 128 square metres and, according to the guidelines for this particular kindergarten that caters for children up to six years, the maximum number of children should not exceed 25.

There are about 2,000 residents in Kappara. Between 60/80 signatures were collected from the whole of Kappara for a petition. Prior to the signing of the petition, a note, delivered by hand, indicated that all the property was to be converted into a kindergarten. Moreover, the persons signing the petition clearly do not live in the immediate neighbourhood. Some live on the other side of Kappara closer to a much larger school; others live in a cul-de-sac several hundred metres away from the property and others in secondary roads that are not affected.

A point which the local council has raised is that "the application for change of use, was a first step in the direction of further expansions, and such permits are simpler to get". This concern can easily be overcome by the competent authority, issuing a permit with a strict condition that no extension whosoever would be permitted.

The council is indicating they have nothing against the opening of schools in San Gwann but not in Kappara. I ask the council: Are the Kappara residents superior in some unknown way? Does the property in Kappara devalue more than that in San Gwann? Is there a hidden agenda? Could this be snobbism?

Why is it that in this area stores are permitted and, for example, a clinic and offices are acceptable? Do these activities not generate traffic, noise?

Where else in the opinion of the objectors do we teach our youngsters community relations, if not in a community? Are we supposed to teach them community values outside this environment?

When looking into the project with the correct perspective, the property falls within the parameters and requisites of various authorities. The location is within 80 metres from the Regional Road; it is located in a wide road (part of which is as wide as the dual carriageway of the Regional Road) where there is ample parking, if necessary. The kindergarten will have access for persons with special needs. It will operate under all EU health and safely requirements, use alternative teaching methods with appropriate apparatus, air-conditioning, special flooring in some areas and appropriate play areas.

A study of the impact on the adjacent property, location, suitability of premises, traffic generation and car parking for staff and school van is underway and is providing valuable information. This kindergarten will offer premium facilities paired with excellent teaching practices.

I leave it to readers to judge the situation and feel that the time has come to consider the approach with sensitivity. This is nothing more than a social requisite in today's society, in line with EU standard requirements for such kindergartens and with no ulterior motives.