Over the past few months, St Anne’s Street has been the focus of an ongoing refurbishment project, aimed at uplifting the architectural significance of this major artery leading into the country’s capital. This ‘project’, in the walkways, has been ongoing since March, but over the past eight months only two arcades have been refurbished, with many residents remarking on the poor quality of work being done.

Being one of the busiest roads in Malta, St Anne’s Street is constantly plagued by an unrelenting stream of traffic pollution, which after decades, has stained the façade of the buildings bordering the street. Residents and passers-by have noted workers starting to paint without even cleaning the buildings’ surfaces first, such that any pedestrian will now be greeted with a disdainful mix of faded-out paint superimposed on a black layer of grime and soot.

I was approached by many concerned residents, who expressed their dismay on the situation. Is it maybe because there’s a shortage of workers allocated to the project? Maybe. But it is my firm belief that the poor quality of work is due to the fact that time and time again, Floriana is not being given the priority it deserves.

The Nationalist Opposition on the Floriana council has remarked on the need for this refurbishment to progress at an adequate pace. It seems that our complaints and remarks have constantly fallen on deaf ears.

A reign of apathy seems to cloud this area of Malta, with the government failing to create any significant incentive which will revitalise the area. No particular business incentives were issued and targeted towards promoting commerce in St. Anne’s Street, once renowned for its appeal as a prominent commercial hub. As local council members, we have spoken out with an aim of promoting commerce in the region. We have even advocated the creation of a forum chaired by the President of Malta, aimed at fostering the regeneration of the locality. We spoke and spoke, but action speaks louder than words. And for now, Floriana is plagued by an unrelenting inaction, a culture of passivity which seems insurmountable.

The Nationalist Opposition has sought to come up with a number of ideas which will draw attention to St. Anne’s Street, this forsaken historical jewel. I frequently ask myself, how come the government does not even try to lift a finger and aid the ailing businesses along this important route? How come we frequently have to wait days for the necessary clean-up to be done after a major event is held in Floriana, with many a resident having to walk among piles of garbage strewn about on the sticky floor tiles of a derelict pavement?

I feel the need to voice my remarks here because all other measures have failed. We have sought to come up with incentives, plans, ideas, which will bring St Anne’s Street, a national street in its own right, back on its feet. But these ideas have been shelved. We are rarely invited to participate in consultations about the future of our beloved locality.

I understand that our capital is given the limelight for a number of regeneration projects. So why should the government find it so difficult to safeguard Floriana, a cornerstone of our country’s rich historical heritage?

I appeal to all those who truly love our country to come forth and join my appeal: we must look beyond petty political strife. We are at risk of losing a jewel in our country’s long history. It is up to all of us to ensure that Floriana retains the residential and cultural standing it once had.