As reports of plans by developers and hoteliers for the development of high-rise buildings appear to be suddenly proliferating, many are seriously wondering if the country is losing its sense of proportion. True, land is scarce and high-rise buildings would seem to be the answer, but does it mean this should be done at all costs, irrespective of some key issues that include the infrastructure in all its forms and, most important of all, the quality of life?
It remains to be seen how many of the projects already announced will actually be built. However, concern is mounting as the government or, rather, the Prime Minister, is giving the impression that the building of high-rises is the direction the country ought to take.
Much has already been written about the rape of certain iconic places of years gone by, such as Sliema’s Tower Road, now a jungle of nondescript concrete apartments that have ruined a stretch of seafront that once hosted a string of elegant houses and villas. Or, for that matter, Tignè, where looking at the new development from across Marsamxett Harbour gives the impression of a former East German state community estate, a collection of ugly concrete boxes that has marred the skyline.
Never mind for a moment the sheer ungraceful design of some of the new buildings going up today, what is also of major concern is the impact these will be having on the infrastructure of the locality where they are built. Hopefully, in the wake of the concern being expressed today, this will be seen to in time to avoid the kind of consequences feared by residents in the localities where new big projects are planned if the applications for them are approved. A former director of the Drainage Department, for example, has flagged the major sewage problems the building of a number of high-rise projects could bring about.
Residents in Qui-si-Sana staged a protest a few days ago to highlight their fears over the impact of proposed new high-rise buildings in the area, particularly, it seems, of a 34-storey Townsquare project.
They know full well what they are talking about since Tignè is already suffering from sewage blockages.
The former Drainage Department director put it this way:
“Without a plan of the cumulative effects of such projects, you are shooting in the dark.
“On the one hand, developers could get blamed for sewage problems, which are not their fault. But, on the other, they could be building six-star developments supported by a primitive infrastructure. The result will not be good.”
That will be putting it mildly, for the effects could be unpleasant indeed if the sewage infrastructure is not taken in hand in advance of such projects.
A court has upheld a request filed by NGOs and residents for an injunction to stop a Planning Authority hearing on the Townsquare project. They are insisting that the project should not go ahead before studies are made of what is required to provide for the right infrastructure.
At the same time, the Tourism Minister has given assurances that a master plan is being worked out for the Paceville area where a number of high-rise buildings are proposed to be built.
According to the minister, no high-rise planning applications will be processed before the entire process is completed. Hopefully, the authorities will now stick to their word and ensure that the infrastructure is taken care of well in time to support the new projects.