Over the past seven to eight years, perhaps even before, we have been witnessing massive development in Swieqi.

Beautiful houses and villas have been demolished and replaced by new blocks of ugly concrete. In the process, many trees are uprooted, as if Malta is very, very rich in terms of trees.

Unfortunately, no one seems to bother and nobody would at least suggest a replacement of the valuable trees.

Is it not possible for the Planning Authority to introduce a rule so that uprooted trees are replaced when giving permits to developers? Would it be so difficult to impose such a rule?

Another three villas were demolished. Can you imagine how many trees have been uprooted? I myself counted nearly 50 trees and huge bushes. At least 10 of them were big trees no younger than 30 years.

My heart hurts.