04th July 2002

Qawra Highrise Development

Moviment ghall-Ambjent Friends of the Earth (Malta) is very concerned about the enthusiasm certain developers have for building development.

The proposed 27 storey building for Qawra is a case in point. With the number of vacant dwellings probably in excess of 40,000 and with many of these in a good state to be inhabited, it is preposterous building is allowed to continue at present rates.

The Maltese islands are overbuilt and buildings occupy about 21% of our land mass – compared to a European average of 8%. The Maltese should be able to enjoy the countryside and open spaces like their ancestors did. This is especially true as we have built far more building than we need for our population.

Mangion and Mangion, the architects of the proposed project are misleading the public when they state that the environment will not be damaged.

All new buildings deprive us of open space and all will have an impact on our most precious mineral resource: Maltese stone. Even if the building is to be built from concrete resources are depleted.

There is also the impact on the skyline and the impacts on residents during the construction phase which have to be considered.

What Malta needs is more affordable housing and not new build. The proposed project will only make it more expensive for people to buy property.

Planning should take into consideration need and not demand. Malta needs more building development like we all need a hole in our heads.