Pembroke residents warn unbridled construction risks ruining their village

An open letter penned by writer and poet Adrian Grima on Facebook has given voice to the concern and anger felt by many Maltese at the seemingly endless number of new blocks of flats under construction in previously quiet residential areas.

Saying he was writing on behalf of a group of Pembroke residents from across the political spectrum, who “all believe it is necessary to protect the tranquil character of the residential area…from being completely disrupted by unbridled construction,” Grima gave voice to their concern that rampant construction was ruining the locality.

He said that Pembroke had originally been intended as a residential area and that while the community welcomed the large number of schools, sports complexes and public playgrounds that have been built in the area, it has issues with the growing number of apartments.  “Pembroke was not designed so that, after a few years, residential homes that were built according to a comprehensive plan and regulatory framework could be demolished and replaced by 5 or 6 storey blocks of flats or commercial or industrial buildings.”  

“We do not agree at all with phony developments that do nothing but ruin the quality of our living environment,” Grima said. “We do not want irreparable mistakes to be made, and then try to correct them when it is too late.”

He said that Pembroke’s residents chose to live in the village precisely because it is a residential area, and that it must therefore be protected from the traffic, noise and inconvenience that result from over-development.

“We aren't against sustainable development that respects the character of the locality as a residential area with natural and historical patrimony. We aren't against the changes in existing buildings that respect the rules which we, too had to obey and which preserved the character of the locality.”

“But we are against construction that permanently ruins our locality and quality of life. We know that once unrestrained construction begins, this tranquil residential village will end up as a permanent construction site. We all know what the consequences that such a choice has on the physical and mental health of all who live and visit Pembroke will be.”