Officially-Sanctioned Tree Vandalism

 
Following the destruction of the magnificent trees at Mellieha Sanctuary and the planned uprooting of trees at Kennedy Grove and in front of the Phoenicia Hotel, the Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar Tree Group is very concerned about the planned removal of some 38 trees at Senglea waterfront.

While it supports the need to embellish the oft-forgotten historical gems of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa, the FAA Tree Group points out that these trees are 56 years old, among the oldest trees left in Senglea.

A spokesperson for the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation has claimed that the uprooting of the ficus nitida trees is due to the fact that their aggressive root system may damage the new landscaping.” However the FAA Tree Group notes that this is not a justifiable reason for more tree butchery since the Water services survey revealed that roots are not causing damage beneath the waterfront, the only open space that Senglea residents can enjoy.

The beautiful mature trees to be felled have survived sea water, strong winds and sea spray for over 50 years, conditions that may have killed other trees, without causing any damage to either the infrastructure or the paving.

Furthermore the Local Council has spent considerable funds to purchase, plant and water these trees during their first five years, constituting a significant investment which is to be thrown away now that the trees are practically maintenance free.

The community has also derived major health benefits from the trees by way of the relaxation and peace of mind in the shade of these noble trees. The health benefits that trees offer in absorbing toxic emissions, keeping asthma in check and reducing stress has been scientifically proven to reduce public health costs.

The planting of these trees was not only a long-term investment for the community, but also an economic asset as the attractive setting they created encouraged tourists to linger in Senglea, encouraging the setting up of restaurants, bar and kiosks along the waterfront.

The FAA Tree Group cannot understand how such an investment is be replaced with Melia Azarach trees, an aggressively invasive, non-indigenous tree producing toxic fruit that creates slippery pavements when it falls to the ground. A tree that will need a good 20 years before the community starts benefiting from it.

Who will pay when passers-by slip on the fruits? Who will take responsibility if a child or pet accidently ingests the fruit of this tree?

The FAA Tree Group concludes that leaving these mature trees in place will benefit the Senglea Waterfront embellishment project by shortening the time needed to complete the works, resulting in considerable financial savings that could be used for other much-needed priorities. The Trees Group calls on the Authorities to re-think the uprooting of these trees that are so precious to the community and necessary to Senglea residents’ health.