Malta’s Rapid Development: Time to Rethink ‘Build Now, Sanction Later’?

Picture this: St. Julian’s, a bustling town on Malta’s northeast coast, where cranes outnumber palm trees. The sun sets on a concrete jungle, a stark contrast to the traditional limestone houses that once dominated the scene. This is not a scene from the future, but a snapshot of Malta’s present, where development seems to be the name of the game.

At the heart of this rapid development lies a contentious approach often referred to as ‘build now, sanction later’. This strategy, favoured by some developers and policymakers, allows construction to commence before all necessary permits and approvals are secured. While it speeds up the development process, it’s not without its critics.

“It’s like driving a car without a license,” says Dr. Joseph Gasan, a local architect and urban planner. “Sure, you might get where you’re going faster, but you’re also breaking the law and putting others at risk.”

Recently, a coalition of environmental groups, architects, and concerned citizens, known as Momentum, has been calling for an end to this practice. Their message is clear: Malta’s development should be sustainable, responsible, and transparent.

“We’re not against development,” says Claire Bonello, a spokesperson for Momentum. “We’re against development that’s done in a way that’s harmful to our environment, our heritage, and our quality of life.”

Momentum’s campaign has gained traction, with public meetings drawing large crowds and social media buzzing with support. Their demands include stricter enforcement of planning laws, increased public participation in planning decisions, and a moratorium on ‘build now, sanction later’ projects.

The government, long accused of being too cozy with developers, has begun to respond. In a recent speech, Planning Minister Ian Borg acknowledged the need for change, promising “a more balanced approach that respects both development and our environment”.

However, Momentum remains skeptical. “We’ve heard promises before,” says Bonello. “What we need now is action. We need to see changes in policy, not just in rhetoric.”

As Malta continues to grow, the debate over its development path is far from over. On one side, there are those who see development as a panacea, a solution to all of Malta’s economic and social ills. On the other, there are those who see it as a threat, a force that, if left unchecked, could destroy what makes Malta unique.

In the middle, there’s a growing chorus of voices calling for a third way. A way that respects Malta’s past, protects its present, and plans for its future. A way that, in the words of Momentum, puts ‘people and planet before profit’.

As the sun sets on another day of construction in St. Julian’s, the question remains: what kind of Malta will rise from the concrete clouds? The answer, it seems, is up to us.