Smaller Parties Call for Tighter Construction Rules and Stronger Local Councils
· Updated
In brief
- Momentum has proposed three measures aimed at tightening construction regulations in Malta.
- The party stated that residents' quality of life has been repeatedly sacrificed for developers' interests under both major political parties.
- ADPD also called for stronger local councils, highlighting the long-running works at Buġibba square as an example of councils' reduced power.
Momentum, a political party, has put forward three proposals aimed at tightening construction regulations across Malta. The party argued that the quality of life for residents has been consistently overlooked in favour of developers' interests, a trend they attribute to both major political parties.
In a statement, Momentum claimed that both Partit Laburista (PL) and Partit Nazzjonalista (PN) have allowed "big developers" to operate with minimal oversight. The party's proposals seek to address this by ensuring that residents' right to peace is prioritised and by ending the culture of "build now, sanction later."
Separately, ADPD also voiced concerns regarding local governance and planning. The party highlighted the ongoing works at Buġibba square as an example of the need for stronger local councils. ADPD argued that councils have been reduced to merely providing "customer care" for residents, lacking the necessary power to influence significant local developments.
Sandra Gauci, representing ADPD, stated that the prolonged delays and issues with projects like the Buġibba square works underscore the diminished role of local councils. She emphasised the importance of empowering councils to have a more substantial say in planning and development decisions that directly affect their communities.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Both independent outlets reported on the concerns raised by smaller political parties regarding construction regulations and the empowerment of local councils, with consistent factual reporting.