Residents in Swieqi, backed by the local council, are set to stage a protest on 25th April against the same project, citing a range of concerns, from lack of consultation to its impact on ODZ land.

The controversial footbridge proposal by Infrastructure Malta has already attracted over 100 objections, with critics warning it could set a dangerous precedent for development in protected areas.

Swieqi Mayor Noel Muscat did not mince his words, insisting that residents have been left out of the process.

“Our residents deserve to be consulted, respected, and heard. This proposal cannot move forward without proper dialogue,” he said.

Beyond environmental concerns, residents have also questioned the bridge’s location, arguing it is too far from key residential zones and public transport routes to be truly effective.

The council has even proposed an alternative, a pedestrian underpass, which it says would reduce visual impact and better serve the community.

With Pembroke voices backing the plan and Swieqi residents mobilising against it, tensions are clearly building over what was meant to be a straightforward infrastructure project.

All eyes are now on next week’s protest, which could prove a turning point in the future of the controversial bridge.

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