Government yet to decide on monti stalls design

The government has yet to decide on the design of the new monti stalls, as hawkers are set to relocate to Ordnance Street “in the coming weeks”.

A photo published by the Malta Independent, and circulated on social media, claimed to be that of the new stalls, designed to look very similar to the now disused Maltese buses.

The newspaper also said that the winning design for the new monti stalls had been scrapped and a new one was chosen. This was denied by minister.

“With the consultative and information sessions between the Ministry and Monti hawkers still ongoing, including discussions on the management and upkeep of stalls, content and wares, the design for the stalls has also been considered, as representatives and monti sellers have found the winning design aesthetically pleasing but have on multiple occasions voiced their concerns on the functionality of the design,” the ministry said in a statement.

According to the ministry, the picture circulated was “an example of many” shown during a closed consultative session of possible moveable stalls, also known as trailers.

The trailers do not require the necessary daily assembly and dismantling, as well as reduce the noise pollution generated during assembly, as do the current stalls being used by the Monti hawkers.

Some Monti hawkers have also expressed their preference for a fixed stall which, however, would complicate the process as it would require a Planning Authority permit, consultations with Transport Malta, as well as the closing of the street even when the market is not operating.

“The Ministry would like to assure the public that the chosen plan and design will be consistent and compatible with the surrounding area, and no such decision on the design of the stall has been taken to date. The final decision on the chosen stall will take into consideration the suggestions of all stakeholders and the architectural significance of the surrounding area,” the ministry said.