Malta’s ‘Build Now, Sanction Later’ Culture: Time for Change

Picture this: A bustling construction site in the heart of Sliema, where cranes tower over the bustling Republic Street like metallic giants. The scene is a familiar one in Malta, but the story behind it is less so. This isn’t just another development project; it’s a race against time and potential sanctions, a race that’s been playing out across the Maltese islands for years.

Welcome to Malta’s ‘build now, sanction later’ culture, where developers often start projects without the necessary permits, only to face hefty fines and legal battles later. This isn’t a new phenomenon, but it’s one that’s been gaining traction, and not in a good way.

According to the Planning Authority, between 2017 and 2021, over 2,500 enforcement notices were issued for unauthorised developments. That’s an average of more than 500 cases per year. The numbers are staggering, and they’re not just statistics; they’re real projects, real developers, and real consequences.

Take the case of a popular Sliema restaurant, for instance. It operated for years without the necessary permits, only to be ordered to close down and dismantle its structure after a lengthy legal battle. The owners, local residents, and tourists alike were left disappointed, all because of a lack of planning.

But there’s a shift in the air. Momentum is building for a change in this culture. Environmental groups, local councils, and even some developers are calling for stricter enforcement and better planning. The recently appointed Planning Authority CEO, Andrew Gauci, has promised a tougher stance, stating, “We will not tolerate this ‘build now, ask questions later’ attitude.”

Local councils are also stepping up. The Sliema Local Council, for example, has been actively engaging with residents and developers to promote responsible development. Councilor Glenn Micallef told Hot Malta, “We’re not against development, but we’re against unplanned, unsustainable development.”

So, what’s the way forward? It’s clear that Malta needs a balance between development and planning. We need to encourage growth, but we also need to ensure that it’s sustainable and responsible. This means stricter enforcement, better communication between developers, planners, and residents, and perhaps even incentives for those who plan ahead.

As Gauci put it, “We need to change the culture. We need to make planning permission the first step, not the last resort.” It’s a tall order, but it’s not an impossible one. After all, Malta has always been a nation of dreamers and doers. It’s time we dreamt a little bigger, planned a little smarter, and built a future we can all be proud of.