Msida
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Msida is a harbor town in the northeast of Malta. It has a population of approximately 8,500 inhabitants. Although relatively small, it is one of the most important towns in Malta.
History
Its name comes from an Arabic word meaning "a fisherman's dwelling". However it could also be derived from the word 'Omm Sidna' meaning 'The Mother of Our Lord' since there could have been a small chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.Msida was previously an old fishing village. Although it is now more urbanised, some fishermen still operate in the village.
Msida became a parish in 1867. Then the settlement was centered around the hovels located inward at Valley Road, and some nearby ancillary roads and pathways which led up to the quaint district of Villambrosa. This status did not last long however, as a new parish Ħamrun was hived off in 1881. Today the lowest part of Villambrosa Street remians a silent reminder of Msida's jurisdiction in this area. Msida would also eventually see parts of its territory lost to new parishes at Santa Venera in 1918, Pietà in 1968 and Ta' Xbiex in 1969.
Its population, which at one time numbered 11,000, thus also dwindled to a mere 6,000. However the recent aforementioned demands as well as residential developments in the outlying suburb of Swatar, have now seen an increase to 8,500 inhabitants. Swatar also hosts St. Martin's College, a private secondary school.
Today, Msida is now a bustling university town and development has in fact been centered around an ever increasing student population at the University, as well as various new service industries that have sprung in this town in recent years.
Geography
The lower part of Msida lies at the outlet of a valley and is a fulcrum for heavy traffic going to Sliema, Valletta, Birkirkara and St. Luke's Hospital. When it rains, water rushes down towards the sea from surrounding cities at higher levels and often causes floods, bringing traffic to a halt in the area opposite the Parish Church dedicated to St. Joseph. Msida also hosts an old rock hewn chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, a rarity of its kind.Msida has also experienced a lot of reclamation from the sea. The town centre and surrounding areas which were located below sea-level were all reclaimed from the sea, after World War II. A new project which intends to catch more surface rainwater running should also considerably remedy a perennial flooding problem which affects this area as well as nearby towns.
University of Malta
- Main article: University of Malta
Mater Dei Hospital
The construction site for Malta's new hospital, the Mater Dei Hospital is also located in the outskirts of Msida.The hospital (not yet completed - 2006) has so far cost the Maltese people millions of Liri and is an administrative disgrace of the present Government.
Msida Marina
In the late 19th century, a floating British navy hydraulic dock was also planned at the central part of Msida close to where the Torpedo Depot used to stand. The plan was soon aborted but in its stead, this area would in later years experience a booming yacht marina service, which has been growing ever since, thanks to new incentive policies issued by the central government.Although it is known as the Msida Yacht Marina, most of the quays actually extends into the neighbouring villages of Pietà, Ta' Xbiex and Gżira.
Culture
Msida tradionally celebrates the Feast of St. Joseph on the first Sunday after July 19 every year. The local football club is the Msida Saint Joseph FC.
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