Proposed marina in Sliema

I refer to the article entitled Midi Takes All Again, Residents Complain (January 31), which mentioned the proposal made by Azzjoni Nazzjonali but failed to mention the proposal made by the Malta Labour Party in our document for the regeneration of the Grand Harbour Region.

Our document, which is based on the consultations we have had with the local councils within this region, including the Sliema council, as well as all the stakeholders who operate in this region, includes a slightly modified version of the proposal made by Labour councillor Martin Debono, which proposal has the support of the Sliema council.

Our proposal incorporates a marina in the Ferries area, and the existing parking facilities are to be relocated further towards the sea such that a new coast road can be built joining Manoel Island to Tigné. This new coast road incorporates a service road with parking facilities alongside the buildings. A new promenade is to be built between Manoel Island at the proposed marina.

Our proposal includes a significant amount of land reclamation, protective structures for the marina against the swell of the sea and an increased number of parking spaces. It also includes ferry stops for the ferry which is to serve as the main mode of transport between Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour as well as facilities for the shuttle service which would operate from the proposed car park in the Pembroke/St Julians area.

Obviously all the present facilities along this stretch of coast including those for pleasure cruise boats would be incorporated within our design.

It is our strong belief that our proposal would help to inject more economic activity in the area. Indeed, serious enterpreneurs have already expressed their interest in participating in this part of our project especially in the marina.

This proposal would probably be one of our priorities in our 2020 vision for this region since it would also enhance our tourism product.

The Labour party in government after the next election would solve once and for all the problems of traffic congestion and flooding that have been endemic in this area for the past 20 years and ensure that this area is embellished to the level that it deserves.