ERA requests photomontages
In recent weeks, the Public Works Department has filed new plans for the proposed upgrades at Wied iż-Żurrieq.
The original plans to which the divers objected en masse, had indicated that the parking spaces at this popular shore diving site would be whittled down to six spaces in the original plans which raised concern in the diving community about more limited access.
However, in the freshly uploaded plans in early December, no indication of these six spaces is visible any more, with simply the space being left unmarked. Some modifications have been added from original plans which seem to indicate mid-stairs access to the new bathrooms and/or boat ramp area.
Whilst the project title is “Refurbishment works at the quay of Wied iz-Zurrieq and surrounding areas. Redevelopment of ticket booth for Blue Grotto operators. Construction of public toilets and boatyard for local fishermen. Development of parking area and kitting area for scuba divers.“, the main investment is obviously going for boat operations.
Being truthful to what is visible from the plans, the overall surface parking area for divers appears to have been slightly increased due to the widening of the parking area under which the new boat storage garages are planned. Furthermore we note that in the fresh plans, a new passageway has been designed to link the stairs at their mid-point to the ramp next to the bathroom’s entrances and boat ramp.
However in fact, from a divers’ point of view, it is understood that the notoriously annoying steps going up to the parking area will be increased by another level of stairs as the overall height to the start of the parking from the west has been increased by an additional 2 metres above sea level. Plans show a reconfiguration of the stairs. In fact, from 40 steps as per the current situation as per the filed plans, these will increase to 54 steps and include additional flat parts.
We also note a narrowing of the platform next to the stairs which is used as a vantage point and kitting up area. There is also a design for a new walkway over installed bathroom rooftop services, and installation of Solar panels. Whilst this may be interesting as a concept from a sustainability point of view, we one has to see whether they solar panels will be unsightly and there for long given they would be highly exposed to weather extremes.
Communication sent by us to the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability highlighting that the proposed project does not provide suitable access for the new bathrooms nor to the shoreline for divers with different abilities has gone unacknowledged and unanswered. Following our communication, the CRPD has filed a no objection to the project.
It is of our opinion that the scale of the project could have well provided for arrangements to make this site more accessible and open up Wied iż-Żurrieq for impaired divers’ and swimmers’ access. Should a hoist be installed at the waterline in the summer period, as has been introduced at some other swimming spots around the island which are managed by the Malta Tourism Authority, this could be a site gained!
Whilst the new plans are an improvement overall from the original plans, it is not as forward-looking and innovative (nor expensive) as much as the project suggested by divers which could have transformed the whole area in a holistic manner an improved experiences for all visitors at Wied iż-Żurrieq.
We are also eager to see a photo-montage of how the project will overall appear, as requested in its representations by the Environmental Resources Authority. This to confirm as well various aspects of the plans presented.
In view of the apparent reluctance to spearhead the regeneration of the whole area in pursuit of quick wins, divinginfo.mt calls on the project proposers to consider other ways to facilitate access for divers, shore visitors and swimmers, including those with different abilities.
A potential solution could be via the incorporation within the project of a movable winched platforms or inclined lifts along the sides of stairs, breaking off mid-way next to the new path to bathrooms and re-starting for the second part via a second independent system. Such a facility could be a valuable solution for stairs access for all, including those with heavy tanks, rebreathers etc. as well as in cases of emergencies, for which Wied iż-Żurrieq sees its fair share too. However, it would present challenges too, normally from the legendary non-maintaining of public infrastructure in Malta (e.g. the external Valletta main gate lift to the garden underneath, famously always out of order).
In any case, in a similar manner to how the Ċirkewwa Marine Park area facilities are administered, site management will be needed. We assume the new bathrooms will have to be tended to, and in a similar manner in view of the expected increased of visitors thanks to increased overall tourists numbers, the seafront environment will need management during busy periods. Such management could also take care of elevators/lifts.
Kindly find the plans submitted below. One may keep an eye on the updates via the Planning Authority’s website – reference planning application PA/05472/24.