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

Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of St. Julian’s. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the newly constructed high-rise apartments that have sprung up like mushrooms after rain. Locals and tourists alike stroll along the promenade, oblivious to the simmering controversy hidden behind the gleaming facades. This is Malta’s ‘build now, sanction later’ culture in action.

For years, developers have been racing to capitalize on Malta’s booming construction industry, often leaving a trail of environmental degradation, social unrest, and legal wrangling in their wake. The ‘build now, sanction later’ approach has become the norm, with developers pushing ahead with projects, sometimes even in contravention of planning laws, and leaving the authorities to pick up the pieces.

Malta’s rapid development has taken a heavy toll on its environment. The once-rustic countryside is now a patchwork of construction sites and half-finished developments. Wetlands have been drained, fields concreted over, and traditional farmhouses bulldozed to make way for luxury apartments and holiday homes.

Take the case of the Marsaxlokk wetlands, for instance. This vital ecosystem, home to hundreds of bird species, was earmarked for development in the 1990s. Despite international outcry and legal challenges, construction began, leading to the destruction of over 30% of the wetlands. It was only after the damage was done that the European Court of Justice stepped in, ordering Malta to halt the development.

The ‘build now, sanction later’ culture isn’t just harming Malta’s natural environment; it’s also causing social unrest. Residents of areas targeted for development often find themselves powerless to stop projects that threaten their quality of life, their property values, or even their homes.

In the quiet village of Żurrieq, for example, residents have been battling a proposed development that would see a large chunk of their rural community replaced with high-rise apartments. Despite vocal opposition and legal challenges, the project has been given the green light, leaving residents feeling disempowered and disillusioned.

But there’s a growing movement in Malta calling for an end to this unsustainable and undemocratic approach to development. Groups like Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (Together for a Better Environment) and Din l-Art Ħelwa (In the Heart of Art) are campaigning for a more balanced approach to development, one that prioritizes sustainability, social welfare, and cultural heritage.

Momentum is also building at the political level. In 2019, the newly elected government pledged to introduce stricter planning laws and tougher penalties for developers who flout the rules. The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has also been given more powers to enforce environmental regulations.

However, as Malta continues to grapple with the legacy of its ‘build now, sanction later’ culture, there’s a long road ahead. But with growing public awareness, political will, and a commitment to sustainable development, there’s hope that Malta can turn the tide.

As Din l-Art Ħelwa’s executive president, Leo Brincat, puts it, “We need to stop thinking about development as a race to the bottom, and start thinking about it as a journey to a better, more sustainable future. And that journey starts with saying ‘no’ to ‘build now, sanction later’.”