A city is dynamic. It is continuously subject to the forces of change. Change has to be carefully managed so that negative effects of change are minimised or even avoided. This is more so in historic cities where insensitive development could disrupt a historic streetscape and undermine the character of the town.

Valletta’s historical and architectural worth is undoubted. For hundreds of years Malta’s social and economic development were closely linked with Valletta. The city, located on a peninsula, is surrounded on all sides with fortifications. Valletta has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This is something to be proud of. It does, however, put responsibilities not only on the government but on property owners and on anyone else who lives or works in Valletta.

Thankfully, most of Valletta’s streets are largely intact in that there have been few insensitive developments. Modern requirements for buildings have, however, resulted in increased paraphernalia on buildings, including air-conditioners. Even if physically small, such accretions disrupt the visual harmony of the Valletta facades. The air-conditioning unit is visually intrusive and incompatible with the Valletta architecture.

The fixing of an air-conditioning unit on the façade of a building in a historic area is considered to be development and as such requires a development permit. Over the years, there have been many who have put air-conditioning units on the façade in Valletta without the required permit. It was logistically difficult to take action against a significant number, in a situation where most were unaware that an illegality was being committed.

In October 2004, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority carried out a survey. Air-conditioning units fixed on facades of buildings in Valletta were recorded and photographed. Through this survey it resulted that there are about 700 units servicing commercial entities, 300 linked with residential use and about 200 fixed to public entities and NGOs.

The government has encouraged Mepa to take the initiative and seek the collaboration of property owners and others so that air-conditioning units are removed. Mepa initiated discussions with the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises, the Valletta Rehabilitation Committee and the Valletta local council. A collaborative approach was considered preferable and more likely to be cost effective to achieve the desired results.

The campaign to remove air-conditioning units from Valletta facades was launched in November 2004. Mepa offered to waive the application fee and fines relating to the illegality. Mepa also offered technical assistance. The authority published a brochure to explain the need for the removal of air-conditioning units from facades and suggest alternative solutions. The brochure was circulated to commercial outlets, Valletta residents and government entities.

A time limit has been set after which MEPA will take enforcement action and if need be remove any remaining air-conditioning units, with expenses being billed to the person concerned.

Over 200 requests for assistance have been received from shops in Valletta. A Mepa officer met each of the shop owners giving them advice on how best to relocate the air-conditioning unit or to screen it. To date a good number of units have been relocated or removed. Government departments have been instructed to similarly take action. Between private entities and government departments, over 90 development applications for the relocation or screening of air-conditioners have been received.

Discussions were also held with several Valletta residents. Social housing occupiers are likely to receive assistance from the Housing Construction and Maintenance Department to relocate units.

This is a good start but there is still some way to go before all the offending units are relocated or screened.

The deadline set is the end of June. When the deadline expires, any remaining illegal air-conditioning units will be removed through enforcement action by Mepa.

This has been a useful learning experience for everyone. Awareness needs to become more of an integral part of enforcement. Less illegalities are likely to result if people are made more aware of what is illegal and of the consequences that are likely to result from an illegality.

Mepa’s initiative on Valletta air-conditioning units has raised awareness among property owners across Malta and Gozo. For example, on a recent TV programme, an architect had air-conditioning units as a topic of discussion and was actively discouraging viewers from fixing the a/c unit on the façade. The reason why this should not be done is simple – they are ugly.

The fact that it is illegal is an added disincentive. I trust suppliers of air-conditioning units will also become aware of the unsightliness of such units on facades and, therefore, advice clients accordingly. In most cases, all it needs is some forethought to decide on a location where the unit would not be visible from the street.

Above all, this initiative will result in the further enhancement of the streets and piazzas of Valletta.

George Pullicino is Rural Affairs and Environment Minister