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

Imagine standing on the bustling Tigne Seafront, the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the Grand Harbour a fiery orange. Now, picture that view obstructed by a towering wall of concrete. This isn’t a dystopian dream, but a very real possibility if Sliema’s controversial lido land reclamation plans go ahead.

Reclamation: The Backdrop

Malta’s land scarcity has long been a thorny issue. The Sliema lido, a 30,000 square metre plot, has been earmarked for a mixed-use development, including residential and commercial spaces. The project, a brainchild of the Planning Authority, aims to create a ‘new city centre’ in Sliema. But not everyone is convinced it’s a smart move.

NGOs Sound the Alarm

Environmental NGOs, such as BirdLife Malta and Din l-Art Ħelwa, have slammed the plans, describing them as ‘pure madness’. Their main gripe? The project involves reclaiming land from the sea, effectively reducing the size of the lido and blocking views from the nearby Tigne Seafront and other areas.

“This is a disaster in the making,” says Mark Sultana, Director of BirdLife Malta. “We’re not just talking about losing a beautiful view. We’re talking about destroying a vital ecosystem and exacerbating coastal erosion.”

Sultana isn’t alone. Din l-Art Ħelwa’s spokesperson, Mario Mallia, echoes similar sentiments. “This is a short-sighted, profit-driven project that ignores the long-term implications for our environment and our communities,” he says.

Coastal Erosion: The Silent Menace

Malta’s coasts are already under threat from coastal erosion. According to the Malta Coastal Erosion Study, published in 2019, around 15% of Malta’s coastline is at risk of significant erosion within the next 50 years. The Sliema lido project, critics argue, will only accelerate this process.

“Reclaiming land from the sea disrupts the natural coastal processes,” explains Dr. Andrew Cutajar, a coastal engineer. “It can lead to increased wave reflection, causing more erosion further down the coast.”

Tigne Seafront, with its popular restaurants and scenic walkway, could be one of the first casualties. “We could see significant erosion there within a decade if this project goes ahead,” warns Cutajar.

The Fight Continues

The battle lines are drawn. On one side, the Planning Authority and the project’s proponents, arguing that the development is necessary to meet Malta’s housing demands and stimulate economic growth. On the other, environmentalists and concerned citizens, fighting to preserve Malta’s coastline and protect the environment.

The final decision lies with the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), which is currently reviewing the project’s environmental impact statement. The clock is ticking. The future of Sliema’s lido, and the views that millions cherish, hang in the balance.

As Maltese author and environmentalist, Alex Vella Gera, puts it, “We’re not just fighting to save a view. We’re fighting to save a way of life, a culture that’s intrinsically linked to the sea.”