N our environment ch asks

claimed there will more open spaces and consequently more natural parks, gardens and/or similar green expanses offering an oasis of rest and relaxation. In any case, common sense dictates that we should preserve the open spaces we already have. Destroying these to create new ones would be utterly absurd! Moreover, one would do well to remember the plans for the land earmarked for reclamation in the Paceville masterplan. “No natural open spaces were mentioned then!” the KA noted.

“The problem related to construction waste has been with us for many years, but it seems that nobody has ever shown any real interest to address it thoroughly and in the long term. Along the years, we have failed to find a way whereby developers are made to shoulder more responsibility for the waste they generate, and consequently, there was no awareness about the issue at the outset of new projects.

“This led to the creation of Magħtab – a mountain of construction and excavation waste! We have never looked into a long term plan of sustainable management, with the result that with the number of projects underway and massive ones in the pipeline, we are grasping at straws! Hence, the pressing need of a long-term plan that does not rely on a single solution. Construction waste should primarily be reduced.

“On the other hand, it should not be seen as a problem to be tackled by someone else, sooner or later, but as a responsibility to be borne also by the developers themselves. We need to apply set standards for controlled demolition, with the aim of separating and recycling material, and promote practices that are more sustainable and discourage waste. We also need to explore the potential of construction and demolition waste as a resource. As proposals for huge projects and spacious structures are being approved (or put aside until a technical detail justifying their approval is found), one must be sensitive to the cry of the majority of the Maltese who can no longer bear to witness the destruction of their homeland through uncontrolled construction.”

The KA said, however, that the basic issue still remains: “Whose interests will be safeguarded? Those of the common citizen who is obliged to pay for the abuse of others? Or of those irresponsible egoists who think they are above the law and that their money can buy anything and anyone? The KA said it feels that once again it is high time for whoever is responsible to defend the interest of each and every Maltese by devising long term plans and policies that guarantee a framework of sustainability for the benefit of present and future generations. Ultimately, it is in the interest of all those involved in the building industry that this industry becomes really and truly sustainable.”