NGOs: Sliema Lido Reclamation ‘A Disaster in the Making’

Standing at the edge of Sliema’s bustling lido, the Mediterranean Sea stretches out before you, a shimmering expanse that’s been a beacon for locals and tourists alike. But look closer, and you’ll see the signs of change. Heavy machinery hums, and the once-smooth coastline is now a patchwork of sand and rock, a stark contrast to the pristine beach it once was. This is not the work of nature, but the beginning of a contentious project that’s got NGOs up in arms.

Reclaiming the Lido: A Brief History

Sliema’s lido has been a hotspot for decades, a place where Maltese families and holidaymakers alike come to soak up the sun and take a dip. But the local council has other plans. They’ve proposed a €15 million land reclamation project, aiming to create more space for commercial development and public use. The project, set to span 10,000 square meters, will see the sea reclaimed to make way for a new promenade, shops, and restaurants.

Sounds like a dream come true for some, but not for the environmentalists and residents who’ve been watching the project unfold with growing concern.

NGOs Sound the Alarm

Several NGOs, including Friends of the Earth Malta and BirdLife Malta, have been vocal in their opposition to the project. They argue that the land reclamation will have devastating consequences for the local ecosystem and wildlife.

“This is pure madness,” says Dr. Andrew Borg, a biologist at the University of Malta. “The lido is home to a diverse range of species, from birds to fish to plants. We’re talking about a unique ecosystem that’s under threat.”

Borg points to the nearby Marsaxlok Bay, another reclaimed area, as a cautionary tale. “The bay was once a thriving wetland, but now it’s a concrete jungle. We can’t let the same thing happen to the lido.”

Local Residents Weigh In

Not everyone in Sliema is against the project. Some residents see it as an opportunity to boost the local economy and create more jobs. But many others share the concerns of the NGOs.

“I’ve lived here all my life, and I’ve seen the lido change over the years,” says Maria Azzopardi, a Sliema resident. “But this is too much. We’re destroying what makes our town special – its natural beauty.”

She’s not alone. A petition against the project, started by local resident Joseph Xuereb, has gathered over 10,000 signatures, a testament to the growing opposition.

What’s Next?

The project is still in its early stages, and the local council has promised to consider all feedback. But with the environmental impact assessment (EIA) already approved, time is running out for those who want to stop the project.

“We’re not saying no development at all,” says Borg. “But there are other ways to boost the local economy without destroying our natural heritage. We need sustainable, responsible development, not this.”

The future of Sliema’s lido hangs in the balance. Will it remain a slice of Maltese coastline, or will it be reclaimed for concrete and commerce? The coming weeks and months will tell.