I am very much concerned by the implications of Mepa decisions in a national context, and in the context of the Sliema/St Julian’s area in particular. The Prime Minister’s pledge to take Mepa under his direct responsibility worries me. The implications are numerous but I will dwell on only two of them. I also wish to discuss the problems faced by residents of this area on an everyday basis, because this too is of great concern to me.

The first implication relates directly to the PN itself. It stands to reason that Dr Gonzi’s statement will have repercussions on George Pullicino’s political career. One needn’t be a political guru to understand that Dr Gonzi has effectively given a public vote of no confidence in Mr Pullicino’s ministerial abilities. One wonders why he has chosen such to follow such a path. One possible explanation is that the PN is desperate and Mr Pullicino has been the victim of “friendly fire”. Another possible explanation is that Mr Pullicino is being considered political ballast that the party can do without. Ultimately, however, this is only of internal PN concern.

Let us turn our attention to the other, national implication of Dr Gonzi’s declaration on Mepa. As I understand it, Dr Gonzi is acknowledging the fact that Mepa has taken decisions that have really and truly impoverished the quality of life of residents Sliema and St Julian’s. This area has become a building site, with cranes and other big machinery dominating not only the skyline but also the streets. Jiggers and other such equipment, which create noise

pollution, have become an everyday occurrence and they disturb the tranquillity of residential areas, not to mention the dust that settles on every imaginable spot in this area. God only knows what the people of Sliema and St Julian’s are inhaling, day in, day out.

Then there is the problem of unbridled over-development in very small, crammed areas, which will certainly lead to traffic congestion and unmanageable chaos as well as an unbearable over-demand on public services. All these elements compound to produce not only undue stress on residents but also a tangible reduction in the value of property.

In addition, one must not fail to mention the adverse effect on businesses in the area which, instead of witnessing an increase in their trade, will see a reduction because megaprojects will attract customers away from older businesses.

All in all, Mepa has made a big mess in Sliema and St Julian’s. I am not saying that we should freeze all development but, on the other hand, I believe that development should be rationalised and prioritised. To be frank, I doubt very much whether Dr Gonzi has the political clout to sway the savage onslaught of demolition and rebuilding to which Sliema and St Julian’s are being subjected. He is a nice fellow, really, but being nice is not what politics is all about. Sometimes, one has to stop smiling and take a stern stance.

I think the general feeling is that Sliema and St Julian’s need a new beginning – a new government and trustworthy representatives determined to defend the environment. Mepa needs an overhaul, and the policies it should be putting into practice require more fine-tuning and perhaps even a radical re-think.

This is a decisive moment for Sliema and St Julian’s. It is the time to take decisions and make choices. May wise decisions be taken and the best choices made.