Xlendi regeneration project must be disability friendly, federation says

The Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability has appealed to the government to consider the rights of persons with disabilities at the heart of the planning stage

Xlendi will get 60 new parking spots, refurbished boathouses and possibly a bigger sandy beach
Xlendi will get 60 new parking spots, refurbished boathouses and possibly a bigger sandy beach

The Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) has appealed to the government to ensure that it gives "serious consideration" to the rights of persons with disabilities during the planning stages of the recently-announced Xlendi regeneration project.

“Disability is no hindrance from the pleasure of the simple beauties of nature, nor from the right to enjoy seaside outings at beaches belonging to the general public,” a spokesperson for the MFOPD said.

On Saturday, Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi and Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana announced the project, which will form part of the regeneration of the popular seaside locality in Gozo.  

The regeneration will start with a €750,000 investment in the car park, which will include some 60 additional parking spaces.

The MFOPD said that all planning needed to take into serious consideration the accessibility to the promenade, as it was a concern to all stakeholders in the sector. It noted that as a reult of the proposed project, the number of people who choose Xlendi Bay as an entertainment option would increase. Because of this the swimming area, which is already limited, “will be even further restricted.”

“During the Summer months, the unpleasant experience of swimmers bumping into each other due to lack of space has already been a sore point. So, there is hope that this issue is considered for a positive solution in the proposed plan.”

MFOPD argued that with the commercial sector flourishing in Xlendi, it would only make the situation harder for people specifically those in wheelchairs.

“One can hardly imagine the possibility of wheelchair bound persons to ever be granted the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon at the resort. With the congestion created by the external extensions to the restaurants, persons with mobility impairments quit even at the very thought of reaching the area, let alone stroll in their own way along the embankment.”

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