ADPD wants every building to have its own ‘passport’
ADPD’s Ambitious Plan: A ‘Passport’ for Every Malta Building
Imagine walking down Republic Street in Valletta, Malta’s bustling capital, and every building you pass has a story to tell. Not just any story, but one that’s literally written on its walls – or rather, in its ‘passport’. This is the vision of the Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) Party, who have proposed that every building in Malta should have its own ‘passport’.
What’s in a Building’s ‘Passport’?
ADPD’s proposal, presented by party leader Carmel Cacopardo, envisions a document that records a building’s history, architectural significance, and even its energy efficiency ratings. This ‘passport’ would be a tangible link to our past, a tool for understanding our present, and a guide to shaping our future. It’s like giving each building a voice, a way to tell its own story.
“We want to create a living history of our built heritage,” Cacopardo explains. “A ‘passport’ would not only record a building’s history but also its current state, helping us understand our urban scene better and make informed decisions about its future.”
From Valletta to Victoria: A National Initiative
ADPD’s proposal is not just for Valletta’s historic buildings or the grand palazzos of Mdina. It’s a nationwide initiative that extends to every village and town, from the narrow streets of Rabat to the quiet lanes of Victoria in Gozo. Every building, from the humblest rural farmhouse to the most modern high-rise, would have its own ‘passport’.
“This is about creating a comprehensive record of our built heritage,” Cacopardo says. “It’s about understanding not just our grand historical sites, but also the everyday buildings that make up our villages and towns. Each one has a story to tell, and we want to capture that.”
More Than Just a Record: A Tool for Change
ADPD’s ‘passport’ is more than just a historical record. It’s also a tool for change, a way to encourage sustainable development and energy efficiency. The ‘passport’ would include a building’s energy efficiency rating, providing a clear benchmark for improvement.
“We want to incentivize building owners to improve their properties’ energy efficiency,” Cacopardo says. “By including this information in the ‘passport’, we’re creating a clear, tangible goal. It’s about making our buildings not just historic, but also sustainable.”
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