Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538630
12 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 20 AUGUST 2025 NEWS Local councils frustrated as enforcement powers remain out of reach LOCAL councils in Malta are struggling to enforce basic rules, leaving residents to deal with the consequences of poorly regulat- ed short-let apartments, over- flowing waste, and nighttime disturbances. In an interview on TVM's Xtra, St Paul's Bay Mayor Ċensu Mus- cat said that councils simply lack the authority to act effectively. "The more enforcement is frag- mented, the more opportunity there is for abuse," he said. "Peo- ple call about a problem and don't know who is responsible. Councils have zero power in many of these cases." In Swieqi, Mayor Noel Muscat highlighted similar frustrations. With hotels and guesthouses prohibited in the "priority res- idential" zone, developers have converted many apartments into short-let units, mostly rented to young people. While the busi- ness is in demand, lack of regu- lation has created tensions with long-term residents. Muscat pointed to recurring problems with waste mismanagement, vandalism, and noise, particular- ly late at night. Waste collection has become a major issue in densely populated areas. Despite Malta's 2018 in- troduction of organic waste sep- aration, black-bag usage remains widespread, and storage facil- ities in new apartment blocks are often underutilized. "If the Planning Authority had genu- inely accounted for population growth when approving large apartment blocks, there would be proper storage for waste, and the problem would be solved," Noel Muscat said. Nighttime disturbances add another layer of difficulty. Social media has amplified complaints about parties in Swieqi apart- ments, with residents—includ- ing former Tourism Minister Everist Bartolo—reporting re- peated incidents. Police, MTA, and ERA officials help where possible, but councils lack the le- gal authority to enforce rules di- rectly. "We are chasing our own shadows," Noel Muscat said. St Paul's Bay experiences com- parable challenges. Districts such as Buġibba and Qawra face issues with short-lets, inconsist- ent waste collection, and general non-compliance with schedules. Muscat stressed that residents often feel ignored because en- forcement responsibility is split among multiple agencies. Both mayors agree that strong- er, clearly defined enforcement powers are essential. Without them, the pressures of growing populations, short-let apart- ments, and tourism will contin- ue to strain residential commu- nities across Malta. JAELLE BORG jborg@mediatoday.com.mt