There is a Maltese expression, jew nejja jew maħruqa, that literally translated means it’s either raw or burnt. This just about sums up our national character. It seems that we are a people of extremes who invariably struggle to find the middle of the road approach on most issues. It’s black or white. Grey is never an option. We have swung from one pole to the other for as long as I can remember.

Why is it that this Labour government cannot help playing up to the insatiability of mega-rich developers who plan to dot our island with high-rise buildings?

There are applications for about 20 of these gigantic edifices before the Planning Authority. By encouraging and allowing this type of development, government is placing unbearable pressure on our country’s infrastructure that will damage the quality of life for so many ordinary citizens.

The main beneficiaries of this policy change will, of course, be the developers themselves, all those connected with their construction, and the oligarchs and the super-rich, both local and foreign, who will reside in these marble palaces.

How much benefit is going to filter through to persons who live close to or below the poverty line?

How much benefit is going to filter through to persons who live close to or below the poverty line? That is what government should be concerned about.

I have my doubts about the economic benefit derived from this building frenzy. The easy explanation that I often hear is that construction is the motor of our economy. Even if this were correct, it sure carries a very high price tag!

The harm that will be done to our environment is irreversible and will affect the quality of life of future generations.

The irony of the current situation is that it is taking place when our economy is doing more than well enough. Some even say the economy is booming which is probably the case.

Why then does the country need skyscrapers? Where is the common good?

I was given to understand that the Planning Authority would wait for a master plan to be published before granting any permits. Now there is a precedent so one can assume that all applications will eventually get the green light.

This is the way things happen in this blessed country. If Mr X is granteda permit, why not Mr Y and then why not Mr Z and so on until we are faced with a fait accompli.

Now to the billion-euro question. The infrastructure (roads, drains, water and electricity supply etc.) surrounding these towers will have to be significantly improved/upgraded to accommodate these developments.

Let us hope that it will not be thetaxpayer who will foot the bill forthis upgrading.

I can think of many much more deserving causes on which to spend our taxes.

I end with a plea to our Prime Minister. Is it too late to save Malta’s architectural character, its distinctive skyline and our particular identity?

MP Marlene Farrugia has rightly called for the people to at least be given the opportunity to decide whether they wish to give government a mandate to make this dramatic change in its policy or not.

I couldn’t agree with her more.

Tony Zammit Cutajar is a retired businessman.