Malta's 10th electoral district, encompassing the coastal hubs of Tas-Sliema, St.Julian's, Gzira, Pembroke, and parts of Naxxar is grappling with a systemic crisis born from unregulated urban expansion and mass tourism. In this traditionally PN-leaning region, the combination of a record-breaking population density and tourism volumes has triggered significant community friction, driving a wave of activism from residents and local councils alike.
Drainage Infrastructure This infrastructural crisis is escalating year after year, also due to the fact that the sewage system is not keeping up with the enormous increase in population - which has occurred without proper planning. Coastal areas, particularly Tas-Sliema and Saint Julian's, have been affected by this the most with sewage leaking directly into the sea's surface, leading to severe stenches and infected swimming areas.
The district is plagued with traffic congestion, which is expected to cost the country heavily by 2030, with stand-stills common in areas like Sliema and St. Julian's. Road networks are consistently congested, with residential side-streets often experiencing grid-lock due to poor traffic management. In a bid to gain voters and ease the traffic commute, a few years prior to election, we've finally seen some projects within the perimeter, particularly the Msida Creek Project and the most recent Pembroke-Swieqi footbridge.
Whilst initiatives are always appreciated, one must remember of the inconvenience caused to commuters and residents of the areas alike, ultimately, if the project fails. Quality of Life and Community Impact Residents are facing a severe decline in their quality of life due to unchecked urban growth, gridlock, and the over-commercialization of their neighbourhoods.
In areas like St Julian's, the double burden of daytime construction noise and the "uncontrolled" nightlife of Paceville has become an intolerable nuisance, frequently leading to formal complaints about mental well-being. Lack of Council Empowerment Councils should have more power because they are closer to the people, allowing for more tailored, responsive, and democratic decision-making than centralized authorities.
Empowering councils improves towns accordingly to their specific needs. In essence, stronger local councils build stronger communities by acting as stewards of their own surroundings however when dealing with a majority coming from the opposing party, the national government often bypasses the council, where ultimately leaves residents to suffer.
As a traditional PN stronghold, the 10th district has become a primary battleground for planning disputes between Nationalist-led local councils and the Labour central government. With population density in towns like Sliema now reaching a staggering limit, residents feel national authorities have abandoned them to "irreversible development".
Zack Zammit - Sliema Local Councillor (responsible for youth, local band clubs & businesses)