Naxxar’s Towering Concern: Momentum Calls for Probe into Development Fears

Driving along Triq San Pawl in Naxxar, you can’t miss it. The skeletal frame of a towering development looms over the quaint Maltese town, casting a long shadow of concern among residents. This is not just any construction site; it’s the heart of a controversy that has sparked alarm bells among environmentalists and locals alike. Momentum, Malta’s leading green political party, is now urging an investigation into the development, citing fears of structural instability and environmental degradation.

The development in question, known locally as ‘Tower of Naxxar’, is a proposed 16-story residential complex on Triq San Pawl. The site was once a sprawling farm, its fields now replaced by a forest of cranes and scaffolding. The project, approved by the Planning Authority in 2018, has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it’s out of character with the rural charm of Naxxar and a threat to the environment.

Momentum’s call for an investigation comes amidst reports of structural issues at the site. In January, a section of the building’s facade collapsed, raising questions about the project’s integrity and safety. The developer, Mayfair Developments, has since assured the public that the incident was isolated and that the structure is sound. However, Momentum is not convinced, arguing that the incident warrants a thorough investigation.

Beyond the structural concerns, environmentalists are worried about the development’s impact on the surrounding area. Naxxar is home to several protected species, including the Maltese wall lizard and the European hedgehog. The construction site is also near a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC), adding to the environmental concerns.

For Momentum, this development is part of a larger fight to preserve Malta’s rural heritage. “We’re seeing our countryside disappear, swallowed up by concrete,” says Carmel Cacopardo, a Momentum activist based in Naxxar. “This isn’t just about one development. It’s about the future of our rural areas and the quality of life for our children.”

Momentum is not alone in its concerns. The Naxxar Local Council has also expressed reservations about the project, with Mayor Paul Vella describing it as “a blot on the scene” that goes against the council’s rural zoning plans.

The future of the ‘Tower of Naxxar’ remains uncertain. The developer has vowed to continue the project, while Momentum and other critics are pushing for a full investigation into the structural concerns and environmental impact. The Planning Authority, meanwhile, is reviewing the project’s permits in light of the recent collapse.

As the controversy continues, one thing is clear: the eyes of Malta are on Naxxar. The fate of this development could set a precedent for future projects, determining whether Malta’s rural areas will be preserved or paved over. It’s a fight that Carmel Cacopardo and many others are ready to continue. “We won’t stop fighting until we see a sustainable, green Malta that respects its rural heritage,” she says.