Are we doing enough to safeguard our natural surroundings?
There seems to be a lot of concern about buildings everywhere. There are many abandoned buildings around, yet we just keep building new ones. Josef Busuttil, 23, Mcast Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
No. There are too many conflicting interests and issues of personal gain in almost every aspect of our society. Dirk Urpani, 21, Bachelor of Law, third year.
Definitely not. There are limited open spaces in Malta but instead of safeguarding them, we continue to develop our densely built country. Karl Camilleri, 23, BSc Built Environment Studies, second year.
What do you think of Malta’s environmental planning legislation? Are sanctions harsh enough?
I’m not sure where the legislation stands. However, contractors never seem to think twice before sending in heavy machinery anywhere. For example, construction work was recently being done adjacent to Mosta valley. Josef Busuttil
It is not simply a matter of sanctions being harsh but a matter of ensuring that enforcement is effective and efficient. Sanctions still need to be applied, especially if a functioning system of penalties is put into place based on the potential financial gain of infringements. Dirk Urpani
The legislation that was updated some time ago has some shortcomings regarding taxation, penalties and energy generation. Definitely, an important point to tackle is the issue of vacant buildings, stricter sanctions on illegal structures and an investigation on health and safety on construction sites. Karl Camilleri
Do you have faith in Mepa?
To be honest, I haven’t got much faith in Mepa. The distribution of building permits does not seem consistent. It seems those who offer the biggest pay-off get the permit. Josef Busuttil
Yes, I do. But it needs a stronger legal framework that allows more for sustainable growth, legitimate decision-making and effective enforcement. This is why I’m eager to see the outcome of the current legislation reform. Dirk Urpani
The population has lost faith in Mepa due to actions it has taken over the years. Unfortunately these decisions were usually politically motivated. Bottom line: Politicians – stay out of Mepa! Karl Camilleri
Interviews conducted by Insite – the Student Media Organisation.