By Marc Galdes
The persistent issue of bird droppings in Victoria鈥檚 Independence Square is expected to persist, with the authorities admitting there is no viable solution in sight. The square, also known as It-Tokk, is covered in bird droppings mainly coming from house sparrows (g魔asafar tal-bejt) that reside in the square鈥檚 mature trees. Mayor Brian Azzopardi acknowledged that bird droppings have been a major issue for restaurants and shops around the square, yet nothing can be done about it. 鈥淵ou either eliminate the birds, which is not even an option, or remove the trees, which is also not an option. I would be crazy to even suggest this. We have to live with it. There is no remedy,鈥 Azzopardi said. When asked why the square is not washed, the mayor explained that the only solution would be to wash the square daily, but this would be an expensive exercise. 鈥淭housands of birds come every day, so the bird droppings will be there every day. 鈥淚t鈥檚 impossible to clean the square daily because it would be too expensive. It would cost hundreds each time,鈥 he said. Last year, Gozo鈥檚 Regional Council announced the registration of Victoria 2031 Foundation, which is focused on bidding to become the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) in 2031.