One of the biggest challenges any government faces is weighing commercial interests against the needs of the public.

Driving the economy forward is an important factor which any government must strive to achieve, but at the same time, this must be done while mitigating any negative impacts that could result from the strategy chosen to do so.

In Malta, however, the government has been too reactionary in this regard, rather than having planned ahead at the time.

This can be seen in the government’s focus on growing the population to boost the economy a few years ago, without any real plan on how to cater for such quick growth. The economy boomed, but the impact this has had on infrastructure is there for all to see. Traffic, problematic sewage systems in some areas, a housing market that has effectively priced out younger generations to the point that an affordable housing scheme is now planned.

Another example can be seen in the state of planning in the country, where residents of an area have little real power when it comes to developments that can severely impact their way of life, where local councils that oppose a massive development, for instance, can easily be outvoted on the Planning Board. Planning regimes were also too weak to prevent the uglification of certain areas, due to a lack of streetscape design requirements. Some areas are so densely built up that there are problems that need urgent solutions, such as those related to garbage collection.

The country has a booming tourism sector, but the sheer number of tourists is becoming unsustainable. A focus on attracting higher quality tourists is important, so that not so many would need to be attracted in order to sustain this very important sector. A plan must be put in place to ensure sustainability.

The noise issue in Valletta is another example of commercial interests being placed before those of residents, where the government allowed certain streets to play music until extended hours. Was that fair on residents? No, it wasn’t, and residents had aired their concerns at the time. Valletta is the capital city and should have a vibrant atmosphere, yes, but would it be so hard to require establishments playing loud music into the early hours to require indoor soundproofing?

The issue of tables and chairs placed by restaurants and bars on pavements has been one that has seen countless complaints over the years. It got so bad in some areas that ambulances couldn’t even pass. More enforcement is needed, as is more consideration by planners.

The government must look after commercial interests, yes, but on a number of issues the government must do more to protect the interests of residents and the public.