NGO Din l-Art Helwa condems monti relocation

Din l-Art Helwa has said that it is extremely disappointed that the crucial relocation of the Monti has been reduced to a political tug of war between the two main parties.

“The destiny of the City Gate area, is too important and should not continue to fall victim to political forces brought to bear by any side,” the NGO said.

“A decision as important as this is, that can alter the entrance to our capital city forever so soon after it has found new dignity, requires those with decisional power to rise above political pressure to do what is right for our capital city.”

According to Din l-Art Helwa, the statements issued over the weekend, may cause the current administration to dig its heels in just to prove it is superior to public reaction.

“This risk became apparent over the weekend when the Leader of the Opposition made a stand against the decision for its relocation while at the same time the Ministry of Culture issued statements that it was supporting a move that could also involve the area between the Old Theatre and the new Parliament building.”

The NGO  said that it is concerned about the possibility that the Monti stands might not be dismantled after use by hawkers but would instead be used by artisans for the rest of the day.

“This, makes the situation pretty irreversible as the market will become a permanent fixture in the most inappropriate location,” the NGO added.

“The situation is particularly worrying, as this latest development has ensued despite the findings of experts involved in Valletta’s regeneration,  V18, the Valletta and Floriana Local Councils, as well as leading architects and experts in the cultural field who have all spoken against the choice of Ordinance Street for the Monti relocation.”

Din l-Art Helwa said that it has appealed to the government and it has written to the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Culture, and the Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business, to stand above pressures put on them by so many factions and to do what is right by the capital city. 

“The ‘noble brow’ of Valletta, that extraordinary area between Castille, the theatre ruins, the new Parliament down to St Johns cavalier must be left free of the dross and drab of any market,” it said.

“Only this will ensure that the entrance to our city, soon to be celebrated European capital of culture, is not demoted once again to the third world bazaar it has been for decades.  It is a matter of our national pride that far outweighs the benefits to the few.”

In their letter Din l-Art Helwa said: “The City Gate area has always been the victim of political debate and now risks remaining so if the decision is politicized.  We believe your government has the maturity to stand above the political pressures that have been brought to it and urge you to heed the advice of so many experts who have all spoken against the choice of location.”

“While we are pleased to hear the design of the stalls is being revisited, we maintain placing any market in this area will be an undesirable and irreversible insertion within this sacred triangle of our historic and architectural legacy for many years and especially if the stalls are to remain permanently in use even after hawkers’ hours,” the letter read.