Malta’s ‘Build Now, Sanction Later’ Culture Under Scrutiny

Imagine this: a bustling street in Birkirkara, the heart of Malta’s central region. You’re walking down Triq San Ġorġ, past the bustling market, when suddenly, a cloud of dust and the rumble of machinery stop you in your tracks. Another building is coming down, another ‘opportunity’ for development. But at what cost?

This isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a symptom of a deeper issue that’s been simmering in Malta for years. We’re talking about the ‘build now, sanction later’ culture that’s been turning heads and raising eyebrows across the island. Momentum, a local NGO dedicated to sustainable development, is now calling for an end to this practice.

At the heart of this issue lies Malta’s permit system. Developers often secure permits for projects without fully disclosing the project’s details or its potential impact on the environment and heritage. Once the building is up, it’s a bureaucratic nightmare to challenge it. This has led to a string of controversial developments, from the demolition of historic buildings to the construction of towering blocks in once-quiet neighborhoods.

Take the case of the former St. Catherine’s School in Valletta. Despite local opposition and heritage concerns, the building was demolished, and a luxury apartment block now stands in its place. This is just one example of many that have sparked outrage and protests across Malta.

Momentum is calling for a radical shift in this culture. They’re advocating for a more transparent and participatory planning process. Their manifesto includes proposals like:

• Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for all developments.
• Stricter enforcement of planning regulations and penalties for non-compliance.
• Increased public participation in the planning process, including regular public meetings and online platforms for feedback.
• Prioritizing sustainable development and heritage conservation in planning decisions.

Momentum’s director, Dr. Marthese Portelli, puts it plainly: “We need to move away from this reactive approach to planning. We need to plan for the future, not just react to the present.”

Change is never easy, but it’s not impossible. Momentum’s call to action is resonating with many Maltese. Local councils are starting to take notice, with some already implementing stricter planning regulations. The Planning Authority is also under review, with promises of a more transparent and participatory process.

But the real change will come from us, the people. We need to stay informed, engaged, and vocal. We need to demand better from our planners and our politicians. We need to insist on a Malta that’s not just built, but built well.

As Dr. Portelli says, “Malta is more than just a place to build. It’s our home. It’s our heritage. It’s our future. And it deserves better.”