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September 19 2024 08:27:44 by PCLMedia
 
A new initiative by Infrastructure Malta, called Vjal Kulħadd (Everyone's Boulevard), is set to provide €10 million in funding to local councils and NGOs to create people-centric streets and enhance public spaces. The project aims to promote sustainable mobility and improve road infrastructure, making village squares and residential streets safer, greener, and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

Transport Minister Chris Bonett, who launched the scheme, emphasized the government's commitment to reducing car dependency and creating a better environment for future generations. “It’s time to reduce car usage, but to do so, we must provide the necessary infrastructure—and *Vjal Kulħadd* will do just that,” he said, stressing the importance of infrastructure that encourages walking and cycling.

The initiative invites local councils and NGOs to submit transformative proposals, with support from Infrastructure Malta in terms of both funding and technical assistance. These projects can range from the pedestrianisation of streets, building bike lanes, and implementing traffic-calming measures, such as elevated crossings and street curves, to tree planting and rainwater collection systems.

Infrastructure Malta CEO Steve Ellul highlighted that the scheme marks a significant shift towards prioritizing people's well-being and fostering community engagement. “My generation was among the last to play outside; I want to see children playing in our squares and streets again,” he remarked, explaining how the focus on public spaces can bring life back to local communities. The goal, he added, is to make streets more people-friendly and less dominated by cars, creating environments where residents feel safer and more connected.

Ellul further explained that the project would also focus on enhancing greenery, adding trees, and creating better rainwater management systems, making streets not only safer but more sustainable. Local councils and NGOs are encouraged to prioritize infrastructure that supports alternative modes of transportation, particularly cycling, and to present innovative ideas by October 30, 2024.

While Vjal Kulħadd is a new initiative, it builds on previous efforts like the Slow Streets Initiative, which aimed to make streets safer but was hindered by a lack of funding. This time, the government is making a stronger financial commitment to ensure such projects can be successfully realized, signaling a shift towards creating streets that prioritize people over cars.

More information on the initiative can be found here.
 

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