Living it up in Sliema... in squalor

Yet, from the prices quoted for Sliema properties, it is patently obvious that this area of Malta is worth a pretty penny. People from all over the island and the world pour in loads of cash to purchase a piece of the action in Sliema. This should be good, even great news to anyone living in or around Sliema.

I too, along with my wife, opted to move here some years ago and live comfortably, surrounded by all things good. The sliem, or peace, of the bygone Sliema we knew was not a given. We knew it was rather chaotic and over-busy at times; so we did not delude ourselves that we were coming to anywhere idyllic.

But going from idyllic to completely insane by killing off any residual beauty in a few years is certainly unforgivable. Granted that Sliema is still very high in the stakes and estate agents still have multiple mega-million apartments and a few houses on their books. So the goose is still churning out gold eggs from its backside.

This goose is getting sorer by the minute and might soon expire of exhaustion or abuse. Sliema is over-developed, overcongested, dirty, and, overall, losing its character.

I also have no idea how localities are funded and what the funding is for. Sliema seems to be one of the worst in this respect – pavements take ages to be fixed, garbage lurks everywhere and the general feeling is one of sloppy shabbiness.

I know cranes have become part and parcel of the national character and that construction is keeping our economy buoyant but why should cranes be allowed to park everywhere and anywhere with no time limit? Cannot developers be forbidden from erecting cranes permanently – no fine is prohibitive enough as developers are raking in huge millions so any fees imposed just means a slight dip in their petty cash.

Cranes and overdevelopment are not the only sin. Lack of greenery, lack of anywhere where children can roam, lack of clean air are other major sins. Streets are closed off at random at the bidding of developers or contractors. Gardens have all but disappeared; flats in all their ugliness are predominant and getting worse.

Parking is next to impossible for visitors and there is absolutely no planning, or special concessions, for residents. Access to some roads is becoming more and more difficult. I also hope – though I sincerely doubt it – that the planners have considered the sewage system. Can it take all our detritus? This detritus has, no doubt, grown exponentially with so many more people living, and eating and disposing of all they eat, on this tiny golden part of Malta.

In less than six months, I have twice taken a tumble on our terrible streets – thankfully with no discernible damage. It makes for a good tale how old, un-nimble me fell flat on my back twice. When onlookers shouted out in shock and worry, I literally bounced back, finding in some reserve body part enough vim and oomph to just walk off in shame.

Why I should feel shame is beyond me. I fell because of grime left by developers and because of shoddy workmanship on our roads. Both falls could have had a worse ending.

My fall, or possible demise because of the fall, might not have been too much of an event. Few would have cared about it. The same could be said of Sliema, which could fall into more squalor and subsequently die. Then it could be too late. But does anyone care enough to do something?

Pity we have disregarded the fact that Sliema could be a beautiful place. When it all disintegrates, and property prices plummet, it will turn into an ugly relic. Unless we do something drastic now, it will soon be too late for anything but tears and some tales about the golden goose.