Residents from various localities across Malta and Gozo have come together to express growing concern and disappointment at the continued decline in the quality of life within their communities.
"While we acknowledge and appreciate the recent instances where the authorities have taken action to enforce the law, particularly following incidents of anti-social behaviour by foreign visitors, isolated enforcement is simply not enough," the residents said in a statement. "These cases have demonstrated that action is possible when there is the will to act. Residents now expect that same level of commitment to be applied consistently, every day, across every locality."
For years, residents have been promised a balance between tourism, commercial activity and the wellbeing of the communities in which they live. That balance is now long overdue. "We now call on all competent authorities, including the Malta Tourism Authority, the Malta Police Force, the Lands Authority, the Planning Authority, the Building and Construction Industry, Transport Malta, Local Councils and all other enforcement agencies, to fulfil their responsibilities without delay and without passing responsibility from one entity to another," the residents said.
Residents should not have to repeatedly report the same illegalities only to receive replies stating that discussions are taking place with operators or that sanctioning applications may eventually be submitted, they added. Illegal occupation of public land, excessive noise, abuse of public spaces and breaches of regulations should be addressed through immediate enforcement, not prolonged negotiations.
The residents said they are equally concerned by the continued abuse and unlawful appropriation of our coastline and surrounding waters. Public access to the sea is increasingly being restricted through the illegal occupation of coastal areas and maritime spaces, while residents repeatedly witness infringements that remain unchecked despite being reported. Our coastline and our seas are a national asset belonging to everyone. They must be protected from abuse and unlawful occupation with the same determination expected in every other public space.
"If the law prohibits amplified music outside soundproofed premises, why are residents still forced to endure music from bars, restaurants and takeaways, sometimes broadcast through speakers installed in outdoor areas? Why is enforcement so inconsistent, allowing some operators to behave as though the law simply does not apply to them? Likewise, residents continue to experience excessive noise from holiday accommodation, including tourists shouting and playing loud music at all hours. At the same time, public streets, pavements and piazzas are increasingly obstructed by tables, chairs, umbrellas, sandwich boards, skips, rubbish bins, planters and other structures that limit accessibility and diminish public spaces that belong to everyone."
Residents should not be expected to fight every day simply to enjoy what is already theirs by right: peaceful neighbourhoods, accessible public spaces and respect for the rule of law, the statement said.
This is not about being against tourism or businesses. Visitors are welcome in Malta and Gozo, and tourism remains an important pillar of our economy. Businesses also have every right to operate, invest and succeed. However, neither tourism nor commercial activity can continue to come at the expense of residents' dignity, wellbeing and quality of life. Prosperity cannot be built on the erosion of the rights of the communities in which these activities take place.
Residents are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for fairness, accountability and the consistent enforcement of the laws that already exist. Rules must apply equally to everyone: residents, visitors and businesses alike. Communities deserve to be places where people can live in peace, rest at night, walk safely through unobstructed public spaces and raise their families with dignity. These are not unreasonable expectations; they are fundamental rights.
"Today marks the beginning of a collective effort by residents from across Malta and Gozo to ensure that their voices are no longer ignored. We will continue to speak out, highlight failures where they occur and acknowledge those authorities that fulfil their responsibilities. The time for promises has passed. Residents are now calling for decisive action, meaningful enforcement and genuine respect for the communities that make Malta the country people choose to visit and invest in," the statement said.
This press statement is being issued by Lehen ir-Resident, which includes the following resident communities:
- Attard
- Birgu (Vittoriosa)
- Cospicua (Bormla)
- Isla (Senglea)
- Marsaskala (Wied il-Ghajn)
- Marsaxlokk
- Mellieha
- Pembroke
- Sliema
- St Paul's Bay (San Pawl il-Bahar)
- Swieqi
- Valletta
And has been further endorsed by the following NGOs:
- Azzjoni Tuna Artna Lura
- Din l-Art Helwa
- Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar
- Friends Of the Earth Malta
- Ghawdix
- il- Kollettiv
- Marsaskala Residents' Network
- Moviment Graffitti
- Ramblers Association