As part of the implementation of the Wellbeing-First Vision for Malta’s Environment 2050, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has commissioned a study targeting environmental wellbeing in Malta’s towns and villages.

The ERA said that this study was commissioned to enable it to prioritise those areas that need to be targeted by policy and also to help identify areas where funding for environmental projects would give the most benefit to communities.

Some of the points noted from respondents in Gozo include:

Respondents to the survey mentioned how the increasing over population and overdevelopment in localities is critically and negatively affecting liveability and wellbeing in Maltese localities, with those in Gozo particularly highlighting this issue.

Participants from Gozo highlighted that there is an increased level of crime in certain areas, particularly in Xlendi and Marsalforn.

Survey respondents ranked affordability of housing on the lower scale of satisfaction of the questionnaire, highlighting property prices to be expensive in their localities.

Connectivity, particularly for respondents from Gozo, but not only, was a major issue of concern perceived as hindering social advancement.

The increasing presence in tourist accommodation and catering establishments was mentioned as an issue of concern due to it take up of public space, particularly in more popular touristic areas but also in more quaint, areas.

A number of residents of Gozo also mentioned that they would prefer to move abroad rather than to Malta if they had to move from their locality.

A number of respondents highlighted that the current state of the Maltese Islands, arising from overdevelopment and construction and destruction of open, green spaces at a fast pace would contribute to their decision to leave the Maltese Islands

It will be used in relation to the updated State of the Environment Report by 2025, the implementation of the National Strategy for the Environment to 2050 and ongoing projects for open and green spaces.

Indeed, the ERA noted that the study highlighted that the increased availability of open spaces was deemed as a contributing factor to improve the environmental quality of localities; this is also the direction which is being pursued in various environmental projects.

The ERA explained that the study in itself included focus groups and interviews with residents from different localities so as to accurately represent the Maltese context and was carried out in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Wellbeing within the University of Malta.

On a national basis, according to the study, the majority of residents are content with their current neighbourhoods. However, those living in densely populated urban areas, like the northern harbour district, would prefer to see more open spaces. Respondents to the study also indicated construction and traffic as the two factors that have a negative impact on their quality of life.

The study can be read in full by clicking here.

File photo: DLHGh

Permalink: Gozitans highlight over population and overdevlopment negatively affecting livability – study