[attach id=260396 size="medium"]An artist’s impression of the Metropolis.[/attach]

As a frequent visitor to your islands and regular reader of this newspaper I can only express my utter astonishment at the lack of public debate or outcry over the significant changes your planners have recently approved and which are about to be inflicted upon the unique urban skyline of the region by the Metropolis project in Gżira.

For what has passed under the radar here and has been hastily re-approved under the eyes of your new Government is not just another development (to join the pile of the estimated 70,000 empty properties) but a major change in appearance of a wider urban city, parts of which – for now at least – even enjoy World Cultural Heritage status.

Due to their sheer monstrosity the Metropolis towers will be visible from most points in Malta, affecting the currently still picturesque views enjoyed by so many, be they locals or tourists. Speaking of which, it is not for the (non-existent) endless sandy beaches most of these tourists come and often return for, but for the centuries-old cultural heritage of the islands.

With the same amazement I can only shake my head at how it can be possible that Mepa conveniently ‘forgot’ to consider or discuss a detailed study on the project (as was reported last week), a study which it had itself commissioned and which makes important points.

I know that it is often said that the Maltese spirit prefers to complain later, but in the pending case of building this veritable Monstropolis it will undoubtedly soon be too late – albeit leaving many generations an opportunity to complain in vain.

Think of it this way: every other topic discussed in today’s paper will be forgotten in a few months or years, while Metropolis could still cast its shadows for many decades to come.