Malta’s Post-COVID Streets: A Letter from the Editor

Mailbag Monday: Echoes of Change in Malta’s Post-COVID Streets

Strolling down Republic Street on a balmy June morning, I noticed something unusual. The usually bustling thoroughfare was quieter, greener. The COVID-19 pandemic had left its mark, not just on the faces of Maltese people, but on their city too. And it was in the letters to the editor, pouring into our inbox at Hot Malta, that I found the echoes of this change.

Revitalising Republic Street

Take, for instance, Tony Borg’s impassioned plea: “We’ve seen how our streets can breathe when traffic is reduced. Let’s not lose this opportunity to make Republic Street a pedestrian paradise.” Tony’s not alone. Many Maltese are calling for a permanent reduction in traffic, more green spaces, and wider pavements. The pandemic has shown us that our streets can be more than just thoroughfares for cars.

But it’s not just about aesthetics. Businesses are weighing in too. Maria Attard, owner of the historic Caffè Cordina, writes, “I’ve seen a significant increase in footfall since we widened our pavement. Let’s make this permanent and boost local business.” It seems the pandemic has sparked a conversation about how we use our public spaces.

From Lockdown Gardens to Urban Farms

Another trend emerging from our mailbag is the call for more urban farming. Remember the lockdown gardens that sprang up on balconies and rooftops? Well, Malta’s green-fingered are now looking to expand. “Why not convert some of those empty buildings into vertical farms?” suggests Joseph Portelli. “We could feed ourselves and reduce our carbon footprint.”

And it’s not just about food. Malta’s urban farmers are also thinking about biodiversity. “Let’s create green corridors that connect our urban farms,” writes Sarah Vella. “We can attract bees, birds, and butterflies back to our cities.” It seems Malta’s lockdown has sparked a desire for greener, more sustainable cities.

Working from Home: A New Normal?

But it’s not just our streets and buildings that are changing. The pandemic has also transformed the way we work. Many Maltese are now working from home, and they’re loving it. “I’ve saved hours every week by not commuting,” writes Mark Zammit. “Let’s make this the new normal,” he suggests. But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Many also raise concerns about work-life balance and isolation.

And what about our children? The pandemic has raised questions about education too. “Let’s use this opportunity to reform our education system,” writes Dr. Josephine Borg. “We’ve seen that online learning can work. Let’s make it more accessible and inclusive.”