Imagine this: you’re driving through the picturesque village of Xewkija, Malta’s third largest, and suddenly, you’re met with a sight that jars the quaint scene. Heavy vehicles, trucks, and buses, parked haphazardly where the park-and-ride should be. This isn’t a one-off scene; it’s been like this for months. So, what’s the deal with Xewkija’s park-and-ride? The Ministry of Transport has an answer, but is it enough?

Xewkija’s park-and-ride, located near the busy Triq San Pawl, was supposed to be a boon for the village. It opened in 2019, promising to ease traffic congestion and encourage public transport use. But fast forward to 2022, and the scene is far from promising. Heavy vehicles, meant to use the facility temporarily, have been there for what feels like an eternity to the villagers.

Residents like Maria, a retired teacher who lives on Triq San Pawl, are exasperated. “It’s like living next to a lorry park,” she says, “The noise, the fumes, it’s not what we signed up for.” She’s not alone. Complaints have been pouring in, from residents and business owners alike, but the vehicles remain, stubborn as the ancient megaliths that dot the Maltese scene.

The Ministry of Transport has been fielding these complaints, and their response is consistent: these vehicles are here on a ‘temporary’ basis. But how long is temporary, exactly?

“We understand the residents’ concerns,” says a ministry spokesperson, “But these vehicles are here to facilitate essential infrastructure projects. We’re doing our best to ensure they’re moved as soon as possible.” Essential projects, they say, like the nearby Xewkija Bypass and the Gozo-Malta tunnel project.

Yet, the ministry’s definition of ‘temporary’ seems to be stretching longer than a Maltese summer. Months have turned into a year, and the vehicles show no signs of leaving. The ministry promises that they’re working on a solution, but for now, Xewkija’s park-and-ride remains a parking lot for heavy vehicles.

Villagers are tired of promises. They want action. They want their park-and-ride back. They want the noise, the fumes, the eyesore to disappear. “We’re not against progress,” says Joseph, a local businessman, “But this isn’t progress. This is a problem that needs solving.”

Some villagers have taken to social media, using hashtags like #XewkijaParkandRide and #TemporaryNoMore to raise awareness. They’re not just fighting for their village; they’re fighting for a principle. “If temporary means a year or more,” says Maria, “Then what does permanent mean?”

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