Malta: Time to End ‘Build Now, Sanction Later’ Culture

Picture this: A dusty construction site in Msida, where the hum of cranes and the clatter of tools echo through the streets. Here, a new block of apartments is rising, another addition to Malta’s ever-growing skyline. But look closer, and you might spot something unusual – no permits, no planning approval, just a ‘build now, ask questions later’ attitude.

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a symptom of a deeper issue that’s been plaguing Malta’s construction sector for years – the ‘build now, sanction later’ culture. But now, a collective of environmental and civil society organisations, known as Momentum, is calling for a change. They’re urging the government to put an end to this Wild West approach to development.

Malta’s construction boom has been nothing short of spectacular. From 2015 to 2020, the number of building permits issued skyrocketed by 60%. But with growth comes growing pains. Unregulated development has led to a host of issues, from traffic congestion in towns like Birkirkara and Msida to environmental degradation in once-pristine areas like the Marsascala bay.

Momentum’s campaign, ‘Permits First’, is calling for a simple but significant change – make planning permission a prerequisite for starting any construction work. Currently, developers can start building and then apply for permits retroactively. This, Momentum argues, is a recipe for disaster.

Momentum’s plan is straightforward. They want the Planning Authority to enforce a ‘permits first’ policy. They want developers to submit detailed environmental impact assessments before construction begins. And they want stricter penalties for those who flout the rules.

“We’re not against development,” says Alexei Pace, a spokesperson for Momentum. “But we want it to be sustainable, to respect our environment, and to serve the needs of our communities. That means planning first, building later.”

Momentum isn’t alone in its concerns. The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has repeatedly sounded the alarm about unregulated development. And the government has promised to introduce stricter regulations. But Momentum argues that words aren’t enough – it’s time for action.

Malta’s construction sector is a juggernaut, showing no signs of slowing down. But with every new apartment block and office space, we’re shaping the future of our islands. The question is, what kind of future do we want?

Momentum’s call for an end to the ‘build now, sanction later’ culture is a call to prioritise planning, to respect our environment, and to build a Malta that works for everyone. It’s a call that deserves to be heard, and acted upon.

“We’re not asking for the impossible,” says Alexei. “We’re asking for a future where our development is sustainable, where our environment is protected, and where our communities are respected. That’s not too much to ask, is it?”