Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar ( www.ambjentahjar.org ) welcomes Government’s plans to ‘discipline’ developers with the introduction of new construction regulations, as Environment Minister George Pullicino was reported to have said at the Nationalist Party Club in Paola recently.
If carried through, this will be a move in the right direction and a relief for many citizens, as the exaggerated and uncontrolled development taking place in many parts of the islands is subjecting the Maltese public to incessant noise, dust and dirt, much of which could be avoided by investment in equipment which has now become available.
This is not to mention developers and contractors flouting rules and regulations with whole neighbourhoods blocked by ill-placed cranes and often serious damage to neighbours’ homes which is leading to worry and costly litigation. Old people are especially badly affected by noise levels and stress, rates of childhood asthma aggravated by airborne stone dust have reached alarming levels and cancer is being fuelled by the increase in noxious fumes. Anything affecting the health of the nation should be treated with urgency, also because preventive measures could save Government significant sums of money in public health care.
On the other hand, introducing new regulations needs effective and responsible enforcement as well as the imposition of heavy fines for those breaching the law, otherwise the perpetrators will simply continue their usual inconsiderate and anti-social practices and ignore the new regulations.
FAA is also happy to note that green wardens will be patrolling areas where there is the greatest concentration of construction work as it feels that it is not enough to start with large-scale developments. Today there are probably far more small developments taking place on the islands than large ones and their combined effect on the environment is as damaging as that inflicted by the big developments. Smaller projects are also more likely than larger ones to be situated in core residential areas.
While welcoming the Minister’s proposals, FAA wishes reiterates its stand that much of the new development is not necessary, and damaging Malta’s image, heritage and public health. It urges Government to implement programmes to encourage the restoration of treasured old buildings and the reform of outdated rent laws.
The environment group Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (Together for a Better Environment) may be
contacted at www.ambjentahjar.org