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Uproar as Attard trees marked with red cross, but authorities claim it’s NOT Central Link
Who's behind it?

Jillian Mallia

If you’ve been following local news, the Central Link Project has been quite the hot topic in the past months, with works beginning at the start of the new year.

trees

Reno Saliba via Din l-Art Helwa / Facebook

And now, photos of a number of trees along Triq L-Imdina in Attard marked with red crosses have sparked anger among locals, drawing further criticism of the project. The trees are mostly Aleppo pine trees and have been thriving on that road for as long as many of us can remember.

trees

Reno Saliba via Din l-Art Helwa / Facebook

But, things may not be quite what they seem. Having been notified of the situation, Infrastructure Malta released a statement on the matter to their social media. “Unknown individuals have spray painted red crosses on a number of trees in the Mount Carmel Hospital area of Mdina Road, Attard, giving the impression that they will be uprooted,” the statement began.

trees

Reno Saliba via Din l-Art Helwa / Facebook

“We confirm that these marks were not made by our employees or contractors and that the marked mature trees in the Mount Carmel Hospital area will not be uprooted. Central Link Project was purposely designed to reduce to a minimum the number of trees that need to be removed to make way for new lanes, footpaths, bus lay-bys and cycle tracks.”

“At the same time this project will introduce new landscaped areas where many more new trees will be planted. As agreed with the environmental authorities, when the project is completed, Attard, Balzan and Birkirkara will have over 285 more trees than there are now. We will continue working to ensure that this long-awaited project is implemented with the least possible impact on nearby communities and the environment,” Infrastructure Malta ensures.

So, if they’re not getting the axe, our next question is: Who is marking these trees with red crosses? And WHY? Only time will tell whether they’re earmarked for something else...

What do you think?

14th January 2020


Jillian Mallia
Written by
Jillian Mallia
A book lover, writer and globetrotter who loves exploring new places and the local gems that the Maltese Islands have to offer. An avid foodie and arts fanatic, Jillian searches the island and beyond for the perfect settings to write about.

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