EMBELLISHMENT OF SLIEMA PROMENADE

Members of the Sliema Embellishment Committee, led by Chairman Mr. Vince  Camilleri, presented a proposed programme of works to the Minister of Tourism Karmenu Vella.

The Sliema Embellishment Committee was set up late last year composing representatives of the commercial sector, both in the Tourism and retail sector, and the Local Council, to generate ideas and make concrete proposals to Government for the embellishment of the Sliema promenade and areas in the immediate vicinity.  The Committee had then immediately commissioned Architect Martin Debono to assist them and help the Committee to interpret their proposals.  

The committee have held a number of meetings with interested parties, including the Planning Authority, the Minister for Public Works and Construction, and the Minister of Tourism and the Self Employed. It subsequently presented its proposals through a public exhibition inviting the general public for their comments. Following this, a proposed programme of works was finalised, and was presented to the Minister of Tourism and the Self Employed who has been instrumental in the upgrading projects of the main tourist areas.  The report will now be presented to The Ministry of Public Works and Construction for their review and further processing.  

During the meeting, the Sliema Embellishment Committee expressed its concern on the Planning Authority as to date the Authority has been very skeptic to proposals effecting beach embellishment, which the Committee feels is of immense importance for the success of the project.  The Committee hoped that this proposed programme of works would serve as a basis for the embellishment project announced for this locality by Government.  The report identifies areas which could be developed through private initiative with the support of Government.  The Sliema Embellishment Committee pledged its continued support, and is looking forward to the implementation of such an initiative.