NGOs Sound Alarm on Sliema’s Reclamation ‘Madness’

Imagine standing on the bustling Balluta Bay Promenade, the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sea and the old British Naval Bakery in hues of orange and pink. Now, picture that view marred by towering apartment blocks, the sea encroached upon by land reclamation. This is not a dystopian fantasy, but a very real possibility if Sliema’s latest development plans go ahead.

Reclamation: A Sea of Controversy

The Sliema Local Council has proposed a land reclamation project that would see 16,000 square metres of sea reclaimed to make way for a new lido and residential complexes. On paper, it promises a revamped public space and much-needed housing. But environmental NGOs are up in arms, labelling the plans ‘pure madness’.

“This is not just about losing a chunk of our coastline,” says Mark Mallia, spokesperson for the Malta Youth Parliaments. “It’s about the precedent it sets for future developments. Where do we draw the line?”

Eyes on the Sea

The proposed site is a known habitat for several endangered species, including the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal. The area is also a crucial nursery ground for fish, vital for maintaining local biodiversity and fisheries. Yet, according to the NGOs, these environmental concerns have been largely overlooked in the planning process.

“We’ve seen the plans, and they’re woefully inadequate,” says Dr. Joseph Borg, a marine biologist and coordinator of the NGO BirdLife Malta. “The environmental impact assessment is a joke. It’s like they’re trying to tick a box without actually considering the consequences.”

Voices from the Community

Local residents and businesses are also expressing their concerns. “We moved here for the sea view,” says Maria Azzopardi, a Sliema resident. “If they reclaim the land, we’ll be looking at a wall of apartments instead. It’s not what Sliema needs.”

Meanwhile, Sliema’s thriving tourism industry is worried about the impact on their businesses. “Tourists come here for the sea and the views,” says Simon Portelli, owner of a popular Balluta Bay café. “If we lose that, we lose a big part of our appeal.”

But the Sliema Local Council maintains that the project will bring significant benefits to the community. “The new lido will be a fantastic public space,” says Mayor John Schembri. “And the new housing will help tackle our chronic housing shortage.”

The Battle Ahead

The NGOs are not backing down. They’re promising legal challenges and public protests if the plans go ahead. “We’re not against development,” says Mark Mallia. “But it has to be sustainable and respect the environment. This isn’t.”

The future of Sliema’s coastline hangs in the balance. As the sun sets over Balluta Bay, one thing is clear: this is more than just a battle over land. It’s a fight for the very soul of Sliema.