The Minister of Transport said that transforming Mosta Square into a pedestrian street is a good idea and worth defending

Transport Minister Chris Bonett is adamant about maintaining Mosta Square as a pedestrian street on weekends, despite attempts by the city council to overturn the decision.

Parts of the newly renovated square have been pedestrianised and closed to traffic on weekends following a controversial redevelopment project in the area.

However, on Tuesday, Mayor Joseph Gatt proposed sports The council was asked to end the practice in September after residents and business owners complain About the current state of affairs in the square.

Bonet weighed in on the growing debate over whether the decision to turn the square into a pedestrian mall should be reversed, saying that while he was initially skeptical of the idea, he ultimately saw its merits.

“When the Mosta local council proposed closing the square on weekends, I was the first to be skeptical, but when I saw it in action, I have to say, yes, I think it is the right decision,” Bonnet said in a Facebook post.

“I know some people don’t like this and would prefer cars be allowed through, and I know it’s difficult to go against the flow, but it’s a decision that must be defended.”

Bonnet criticised the newly elected Nationalist council for appearing to go back on a promise the party made during the election campaign to increase public open space.

Bonnet continued: “I can’t defend the hypocrisy of those who told us about open spaces before and after the election, only to fail when faced with their first major test.”

“That is why as transport minister I believe the current arrangements in Mosta should not change.”

Antoine Zammit, head of the architecture firm that designed the square’s redevelopment, said the decision to go against pedestrianisation was a “disappointing” Because the project is designed to move people away from a car-centric mindset.