It is worrying that Transport Malta has admitted that the roadworks at Sliema Ferries are not attempting to solve the seawater flooding problem in the area. Saying that this issue is being dealt with in the upcoming underground carpark project is not an adequate reply. Transport Malta should also give clear details as to which current roadworks are going to be removed and done yet again once the underground carpark project commences. As a local councillor I am disappointed that Transport Malta is not communicating and consulting in a proper way.
The rushed works being carried out by Transport Malta at Sliema Ferries are causing a nightmare to pedestrians. Crossing the road is very dangerous, signs are lacking, trees have been removed, and there are no signs of bicycle lanes. As Sliema Local Councillor I am particularly concerned for persons with disability, parents with pushchairs, children, the elderly and cyclists.
Sliema requires holistic planning, something which apparently neither MEPA nor Transport Malta are capable of carrying out.
Michael Briguglio
Chairperson, Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party
Sliema Local Councillor, AD
Monday, February 11, 2013
Monday, February 4, 2013
Carnival in Sliema
This Saturday, 9th February from 1:30pm to 5pm, Sliema Local Council will be hosting the Karnival F'Tas-Sliema event at Ghar id-Dud opposite the Preluna Hotel.
Event page link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/559079960769824/
Event page link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/559079960769824/
Monday, January 28, 2013
Works by Transport Malta exclude cyclists & cause inconvenience
Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party said that the works being carried out by Transport Malta in Sliema are causing great inconvenience to residents and will also exclude cyclists.
Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson and Sliema Local Councillor, said:
"The rushed works being carried out by Transport Malta at Sliema Ferries are causing a nightmare to pedestrians. Crossing the road is very dangerous, signs are lacking, trees have been removed, and there are no signs of bicycle lanes. As Sliema Local Councillor I am
particularly concerned for persons with disability, parents with pushchairs, children, the elderly and cyclists".
"It seems to be the case that no cycle lanes are being designed to facilitate a safer passageway for cyclists in the Sliema Ferries area. Although the bus lane available on one side of the road could possibly be used by cyclists, it is obvious that this is still not the safest alternative for cyclists, while there is no available option for cyclist on the opposite side of the road. When consulting with the local Bicycle Advocacy Group (BAG) - a non political NGO that advocates for the safer roads for cyclists in Malta, Mr. Craig
Wightman from BAG said that; "If cycle lanes are not present or are not possible, then the most logical addition from a cycling infrastructure point of view is to use Sharrows".
Sharrows are clear markings that create more awareness about cyclists actually on the
road in the form of bicycle pictograms and arrows indicating that the carriageway should be shared. In addition new parking places such as those opposite the Forestalls store (front to kerb parking) are missing a ‘safety zone’ road marking. A Safety zone is a gap between two white dashed lines. This keeps parked vehicles away from the traffic/manoeuvring areas and allows doors to be opened without endangering traffic or cyclists. This particular road was resurfaced and safety zones were not marked although similar markings exist on
other roads.
"Many cities in Europe have adopted cycling lanes in order to decrease the amount of polluting traffic whilst encouraging the safe use of bicycles for commuting". The introduction of cycle lanes in the Sliema area would be idea for cyclists who use these spaces to commute or simply for leisure purposes, and would complement the introduction of cycle racks by Sliema Local Council. The lack of importance given to this kind of infrastructure identifies the government's lack of insight into such alternative, unpolluting whilst efficient means of commuting.
Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson and Sliema Local Councillor, said:
"The rushed works being carried out by Transport Malta at Sliema Ferries are causing a nightmare to pedestrians. Crossing the road is very dangerous, signs are lacking, trees have been removed, and there are no signs of bicycle lanes. As Sliema Local Councillor I am
particularly concerned for persons with disability, parents with pushchairs, children, the elderly and cyclists".
"It seems to be the case that no cycle lanes are being designed to facilitate a safer passageway for cyclists in the Sliema Ferries area. Although the bus lane available on one side of the road could possibly be used by cyclists, it is obvious that this is still not the safest alternative for cyclists, while there is no available option for cyclist on the opposite side of the road. When consulting with the local Bicycle Advocacy Group (BAG) - a non political NGO that advocates for the safer roads for cyclists in Malta, Mr. Craig
Wightman from BAG said that; "If cycle lanes are not present or are not possible, then the most logical addition from a cycling infrastructure point of view is to use Sharrows".
Sharrows are clear markings that create more awareness about cyclists actually on the
road in the form of bicycle pictograms and arrows indicating that the carriageway should be shared. In addition new parking places such as those opposite the Forestalls store (front to kerb parking) are missing a ‘safety zone’ road marking. A Safety zone is a gap between two white dashed lines. This keeps parked vehicles away from the traffic/manoeuvring areas and allows doors to be opened without endangering traffic or cyclists. This particular road was resurfaced and safety zones were not marked although similar markings exist on
other roads.
"Many cities in Europe have adopted cycling lanes in order to decrease the amount of polluting traffic whilst encouraging the safe use of bicycles for commuting". The introduction of cycle lanes in the Sliema area would be idea for cyclists who use these spaces to commute or simply for leisure purposes, and would complement the introduction of cycle racks by Sliema Local Council. The lack of importance given to this kind of infrastructure identifies the government's lack of insight into such alternative, unpolluting whilst efficient means of commuting.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Sliema Local Elections
It was a pleasure working with all other Sliema councillors and staff this past year. The Sliema Local Council inherited a precarious situation and is taking correct decisions on various issues. In various aspects, things have already improved in our beloved locality. In view of financial, administrative and legal procedures, the results of other decisions are likely to be experienced when the new council is elected. Best wishes to fellow councillors who, like me, will be contesting the Sliema Local election.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Beaches and Education (2)
Michael Briguglio
(This article appeared in the Sliema Local Council magazine, December 2012)
In the last edition of the Sliema Local Council magazine, I highlighted some of the work done by Sliema Local Council in areas under my responsibility as local councillor, namely maritime affairs and education respectively. In particular, as regards maritime affairs, I referred to issues such as beach cleaning, accessibility in beaches, bicycle racks, swimmers’ zones, enforcement against littering, and the proposed upgrading of the Taormina area.
As regards education, I referred to initiatives such the lifelong learning programme and storytelling for children at the Sliema public library.
In this article, I would like to discuss some recent developments in these two areas.
As regards maritime affairs, the Sliema Local Council approved the proposal of a bye-law to regulate Bar-b-ques. This was discussed in the maritime subcommittee which I chair, and I also invited residents to send me proposals.
In short, Sliema council is proposing that even though no prior authorization would be required from the council to authorize BBQs, due its unpractical nature, those organizing such events would be held responsible for their activities.
We are proposing the application of existing legislation regarding littering; that no loud music or excessive noise pollution would be allowed; that no cars would be allowed on the rocks/beaches; that no open fires would be permitted on rocks/beaches and that BBQs are to be held on BBQ equipment. If these proposals would be approved by the respective authorities, the bye-law would be in place Green wardens would then have better facility to enforce accordingly. Thus a balance between peoples’ recreational activities and responsible behaviour on public land would be reached.
As regards education, with pleasure I announce that the lifelong learning courses in German, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Italian, French, Maltese, English, Lace Making and Energy Saving are proving to be succesful, with high attendance. This only ecourages
Sliema Local Council to keep investing in education.
I am also proud to announce that the Sliema library hosted library day on 5th December, is being made more accessible through investment in a wi-fi system. The library area is also being given greater attention, for example through better signage. Story telling sessions for children are being held every Saturday morning from 9am to 10am and a variety books are being purchased, including for persons with special needs. The library has also benefitted from kind donations.
I encourage all those who would like to propose improvments with regard to maritime affairs and education to contact me. In the meantime I wish a merry Christmas and happy new year to all Sliema residents.
mbrig@hotmail.com
(This article appeared in the Sliema Local Council magazine, December 2012)
In the last edition of the Sliema Local Council magazine, I highlighted some of the work done by Sliema Local Council in areas under my responsibility as local councillor, namely maritime affairs and education respectively. In particular, as regards maritime affairs, I referred to issues such as beach cleaning, accessibility in beaches, bicycle racks, swimmers’ zones, enforcement against littering, and the proposed upgrading of the Taormina area.
As regards education, I referred to initiatives such the lifelong learning programme and storytelling for children at the Sliema public library.
In this article, I would like to discuss some recent developments in these two areas.
As regards maritime affairs, the Sliema Local Council approved the proposal of a bye-law to regulate Bar-b-ques. This was discussed in the maritime subcommittee which I chair, and I also invited residents to send me proposals.
In short, Sliema council is proposing that even though no prior authorization would be required from the council to authorize BBQs, due its unpractical nature, those organizing such events would be held responsible for their activities.
We are proposing the application of existing legislation regarding littering; that no loud music or excessive noise pollution would be allowed; that no cars would be allowed on the rocks/beaches; that no open fires would be permitted on rocks/beaches and that BBQs are to be held on BBQ equipment. If these proposals would be approved by the respective authorities, the bye-law would be in place Green wardens would then have better facility to enforce accordingly. Thus a balance between peoples’ recreational activities and responsible behaviour on public land would be reached.
As regards education, with pleasure I announce that the lifelong learning courses in German, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Italian, French, Maltese, English, Lace Making and Energy Saving are proving to be succesful, with high attendance. This only ecourages
Sliema Local Council to keep investing in education.
I am also proud to announce that the Sliema library hosted library day on 5th December, is being made more accessible through investment in a wi-fi system. The library area is also being given greater attention, for example through better signage. Story telling sessions for children are being held every Saturday morning from 9am to 10am and a variety books are being purchased, including for persons with special needs. The library has also benefitted from kind donations.
I encourage all those who would like to propose improvments with regard to maritime affairs and education to contact me. In the meantime I wish a merry Christmas and happy new year to all Sliema residents.
mbrig@hotmail.com
Friday, December 7, 2012
Library Day in Sliema
Library Day was held in the Sliema Public Library of 5 December, and events for the day included 3 educational talks by Guido Lanfranco, Prof Yosanne Vella and Dr Edward Said.
A wide range of books can be borrowed from the library. Other services offered include internet, WI-FI (to be installed very soon) and storytelling for children.
A wide range of books can be borrowed from the library. Other services offered include internet, WI-FI (to be installed very soon) and storytelling for children.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
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