Letters | Sunday, 07 June 2009

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Sliema is beyond its capacity

With reference to the article entitled ‘New Sliema lobby to file Villa Bonici
objection’ published Tuesday 2 June, Sliema is beyond its capacity on several counts; namely traffic congestion, air quality, water and electrical supply, sewer system, storm water drainage capability, population density, building density, lack of open spaces, lack of sporting amenities, limited back gardens, privacy, noise pollution, lack of homes for the elderly and more.
We think it is about time that someone takes a decision to stop this unsustainable urbanisation and for once safeguards residents’ rights and legitimate interests. We, the residents are given a Hobson’s choice by MEPA, to either live in perpetual hell in Sliema or else leave for some other town to give unsustainable development within Sliema more space, to the detriment to the remaining residents.
Many believed that, with the Prime Minister in charge of the environment, things were going to be much better. But we were let down once again. What Sliema and the whole of Malta needs is the MEPA reform that was promised before the last election.
At the very least, Sliema expects MEPA’s own planning policies to be respected when it grants building permits. Planning policies should hold for every application without discrimination or favours. Is this too much to ask for?
It would be a good idea if MEPA gives priority to planning applications which do not increase building density. As things stand today, it is easier to get a permit to demolish a typical townhouse than it is to get a permit for some minor adjustments to preserve that same house and refurbish it for modern needs.
Now Minister George Pullicino has made a show – three days before the Sliema local council elections – with the opening of St Anne Square, a square which unquestionably is space for Sliema residents. But then, who will want to be spending time sitting on a bench with excessive noxious exhaust fumes all around?
The opening of this piazza to the public is a step in the right direction but again it is definitely only a small token and nothing more than a PR exercise to counter the many gaffes committed by MEPA in Sliema. We need a guarantee from MEPA, Prime Minister Gonzi and Minister Pullicino, of sustainable development in Sliema. The case of the proposed Villa Bonici project presents the Prime Minister and Minister Pullicino with the opportunity to prove their green credentials to the residents and preserve the last open space in all of Sliema.
The revived Sliema Residents Association is committed to safeguard and voice Sliema residents’ rights and legitimate interest. Sliema residents are invited to contact the SRA by sending an e-mail to sliemaresidentsa@gmail.com or look for us on Facebook. We will shortly publicise our new postal address.

Adrian Gatt
Sliema

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