Social problems of high-rise living

This letter is not for or against high-rise buildings. I have been wondering though, whether enough thinking has gone into the social problems we are slowly building into our society.

We are bringing up a whole generation of cooped-up children who cannot enjoy any open spaces. These children are virtual prisoners in these flats as there is nowhere for them to go and play. It is too dangerous for them to play outside because of the traffic in our streets and quite rightly parents will not allow children to face unnecessary danger willingly. So these children have to sit in front of a television or a computer to amuse themselves.

This poses another problem in the way of lack of exercise and obesity.

But eventually children will get bored and poor mum has to contend with unruly, noisy children. Lord knows what their neighbours have to endure in our blocks of flats.

As these children grow, some will turn to delinquency and these rabbit warrens are the ideal ground for them to commit crime and then vanish quickly. We should learn from the problems that were created in other countries, who have now changed their policies in order to avoid such problems.

Abroad, when high-rise buildings are erected, an open space is provided, paid for by the builder and the local authority. Failing that, no permits are issued.

Why don't we concentrate all our high-rise in one area, with open spaces? This will safeguard our heritage, prevent social problems and be better planned than the haphazard way in which we are doing things at present.

Buġibba is ripe for this type of development. The place is in shambles and could do with regeneration. Why not have a proper plan and stick to it?

It is about time all aspects are looked at when high-rise buildings are proposed.