Taking inspiration from President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca’s wise words – “Let me take the opportunity to appeal for diligence and integrity in all sectors, including the planning sector, and for the absolute recognition that people must come before profit” (April 6) – cannot this country now simply pause to take breath and decide as follows.

OK, so we’re going to have four, five or six high-rise buildings, don’t know how many have been approved (and that is indeed the problem). Can’t we now just decide on ‘six’ and then make an absolute full stop and say no to more, for ever and ever?

Can’t we simply decide no more buildings of over four floors all over Malta and Gozo and then again stop from going higher for ever and ever again?

Can’t we take a general and clear decision that no more agricultural land will be built up, for whatever reason?

Can’t we decide that no building that is over 100 years old will be brought down for whatever reason, ever?

If the PA, and the MDA, and the various speculators’ lobbies, cannot and will not agree to these basic positions, then I’m afraid it’s goodbye for ever to what was once our beloved beautiful Malta. The building and construction industry must simply accept that it has to be reduced in size, numbers and extent of operators.

On the other hand, Malta is crying out for good and reliable whitewashers, maintenance and repair workers. Just look at the state of our pavements, streets and wall façades all over the place.

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