Polidano’s misdemeanours: all about timing?

Construction magnate Charles Polidano is renowned for his heavy-handed tactics and his disregard for planning laws. His complex off Luqa is an array if illegal constructions, among them the ostentatious and quasi Disneyland-like Monte Kristo complex.

The self made man is also infamous for threatening the administration of the day by promising to sack his employees if he is stopped from operating.

The decision to clamp down on his illegalities is not questionable - they betray the mindset of man who thinks that he is above the law. The timing of MEPA's action came two days before a demonstration organised by the environment lobby. Clearly a sign and message to the green lobby that this administration 'is sensitive to its issues'.

A cursory look at the MEPA website will show that Malta is peppered with illegal enforcement orders and illegalities in the construction industry. This is just one of them.

Polidano has a high profile, and from a general perception embodies what is 'malevolent' in the construction industry.

There has been little or no indication that MEPA's enforcement policy has been driven by some logical or rational policy. There has also been a major distinction between those who are heavy handed and the errant individual who constructs an illegal washroom.

What is worse is that many extensive illegalities have been sanctioned, and this has allowed the big boys to simply try their luck another time.

Polidano did just that, with the lack of resolve he faced with the previous administration.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat clearly sanctioned the action and disregarded the repercussions of this action. This is a commendable act and should send a clear message to others who intend to break the law.

Importantly, a significant segment of the PL campaign was held at the Monte Kristo vineyards. So in this regard, Labour were determined to send a message - that they will not tolerate cowboys who disregard the state of play.

This does not in any way mean that MEPA endorses green policies. In fact, many of its new schemes will allow for more development in Outside Development Areas. And the new schemes will provide a plethora of excuses to the planning directorate to wave a green light to more development.

Polidano is a product of the former administration's decision to embrace big construction and tolerate its actions. (Though admittedly, Simon Busuttil has of late shown himself to be more sensitive to environmental issues.)

Polidano also comes from a breed of contractors who argue that the very fact that they employ hundreds of workers is enough of a justification for their illegal actions.

This arrogance must come to an end.

If Polidano folds, someone will step forward to replace him.

The green lobby's concern and that of many people who do not align themselves with any grouping is that there is a pro-development policy with today's political class.  Based on the belief that the construction industry needs to be given the liberty to operate with ease.

There is a short-term economic argument for this kind of reasoning, but a sensitivity to the bigger picture - between conserving and developing - must be reached.

That balance is very much in the favour of those who have seen the short term gain. That is the temporary gain for a quick buck at the expense of others.

This small island state has lost hectares of pristine land and added great pressure on the living environment. Development has added new problems associated with water conservation, quality of air, traffic and - though it may sound ridiculous - the difficulty in commuting from one place to another.

Lower down in the set of priorities is the destruction of biodiversity and our natural heritage. Two items which fail to attract the attention of politicians.

MEPA has an obligation to look at the bigger picture. The issue of enforcement is only one of them.