Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of Sliema on a sunny afternoon. The hum of traffic, the chatter of tourists, the relentless march of construction. Now, picture this: a pause button. A moment to reflect, to plan, to ensure that our island’s development doesn’t outpace its sustainability. This is the call to action from environmental group Momentum, who are pushing for an end to Malta’s ‘build now, sanction later’ culture.

Malta’s construction sector has been booming, with cranes dotting the skyline from St. Julian’s to Marsascala. This growth has brought jobs and investment, but it’s also raised eyebrows among environmentalists. Momentum argues that our current approach – building first, seeking permits later – is unsustainable and short-sighted. They point to incidents like the recent controversy over the Paceville redevelopment, where plans were approved despite concerns about traffic congestion and lack of green spaces.

“We’re not against development,” says Marc Mallia, spokesperson for Momentum. “But we need to ensure that it’s sustainable, that it respects our environment, and that it’s planned properly. Right now, it feels like we’re playing catch-up, reacting to problems after they’ve happened, rather than preventing them in the first place.”

Momentum isn’t alone in its concerns. The Malta Developers Association has also called for better planning, citing examples from other Mediterranean countries. “Look at Barcelona,” says MDA President Joseph Gasan. “They’ve managed to balance growth with sustainability, creating a model that respects both the environment and the economy. We can learn from that.”

Momentum agrees, suggesting that Malta could adopt a more broad approach to planning, one that prioritizes green spaces, pedestrianization, and mixed-use developments. They point to the recent pedestrianization of Triq San Pawl in Valletta as a positive step, but argue that more needs to be done.

So, what can be done? Momentum is calling on the public to engage with local councils, to attend planning meetings, and to voice their concerns. They’re also urging the government to strengthen planning laws and to invest more in public transport and green spaces.

“This isn’t just about politics or planning,” says Mallia. “It’s about our quality of life. It’s about whether we want to live in a concrete jungle or a sustainable, liveable city. We all have a stake in this, and we all have a role to play.”

As the sun sets on another day in Sliema, the question remains: will Malta hit the pause button on its building boom? Or will it continue to build now, and worry about the consequences later?