The Three Cities (Kottonera) – the collective name for Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla) – are a historical part of our local heritage. Around for hundreds of years, the oldest city, Birgu, dates to the Middle Ages. Full of traditional Maltese architecture and an intrinsically Maltese aura, Kottonera is now facing challenges from developers, but it would seem that residents ain’t having any of it.  

Publicly voicing their objections to the American University of Malta’s extension plans, locals have joined forces and formed an organisation titled Azzjoni: Tuna Artna Lura / Action: Give us Back our Land to combat unwanted developments. ‘These plans will rob us of the last few open spaces left in the area’ and ‘these will ruin the buildings and views of the area' are both frequently voiced comments that form part of the underlying narrative behind the cause.

While no plans have yet been finalised, the area around Dock 1 has been cleared and public access restricted, a fact which residents claim to indicate that plans have already been set, but not published.

The group is planning a protest for this Sunday at 11am in the Macina area. Organisers have been urging those who love the area to join and bring flags, handkerchiefs and scarves to showcase the colours of the Three Cities, but warned protesters to leave politics at home. In fact, the motive behind the protest is to inspire and showcase public love for the area and not to incite political hatred.

What do you think of the situation?