Momentum is expressing its strong opposition to the proposed project in Żabbar and stands in solidarity with the residents, "who understandably feel angry and frustrated."

This case reflects the realities being experienced in several localities across Malta, where villages are losing their character piece by piece. People are questioning how we ended up in this situation, the party said.

Matthew Agius, executive member of Momentum, said: "What we are seeing today is a direct consequence of political decisions taken in 2013 and 2017, when policies were introduced allowing hotels and elderly homes to add two additional floors wherever they are located, even next to sensitive urban areas. These decisions opened the door to the excessive construction that is negatively impacting people's quality of life."

"It is ironic that two Members of Parliament, Carmelo Abela and Edward Zammit Lewis, who formed part of the governments that introduced these extensions, are today opposing them, despite having supported them in the past. Even Minister Clyde Caruana and MEP Alex Agius Saliba are now admitting that these policies were harmful."

Momentum proposes that when permits for additional floors are granted, they should be terraced, with each floor set back to reduce visual impact. "The blank side walls left exposed after such extensions are aesthetically unpleasant. The design of new buildings must address these issues, and where necessary, the building should also be set back from the sides."

Momentum is calling for a full and transparent public consultation on these policies, similar to the one being conducted regarding the two-storey extensions for hotels. "However, until the consultation is concluded and a new policy is established, all related applications must be halted immediately to prevent further irreversible damage."
Momentum said it will continue to support residents and local councils in defending our villages, our heritage, and the quality of life that belongs to everyone.

A protest organised by the local council in Zabbar against the development is taking place at 10am.