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After the ravish of Sliema in the “Boom Years” of the early 1960s, further senseless destruction caught up with Balluta, St Julian’s, Paceville and of course poor Swieqi. Now is the turn of Ibrag.
All this thanks to MEPA, and other varies names by which this authority was called under different governments. This was all done to accommodate the speculators and keep the building industry going. Or was it for progress’ sake?
I live in ground floor maisonette in Ibrag. Our area is a true example of building ethics. All adjacent streets are lined with two storey buildings, creating a harmony of a building environment. Not anymore. My so called neighbour, who owns the first floor maisonette and but rents it out, has decided to build another floor and a penthouse, which unfortunately lies above my ground floor maisonette. MEPA refused his first application, but three weeks later was granted permission after some “adjustments” to his original plan. So my house will look like a flat now, which means a drop in property value and up goes my unwanted expenses, involving lawyers and architects in order to protect my rights.
I invite MEPA and the Ministry of Environment to call on me when this work of art is completed. A four storey building in the middle of two storey houses lining the street.
It will surely stick out like a lonely sentinel against the sky.
Congratulations, guys. Keep the speculators happy while we, individual citizens bear the brunt.
Louis Abela
Ibrag
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