Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547510
18 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 NOVEMBER 2026 NEWS Mbaghad Heritage authority accepts demolition of Bormla reservoir for 104-space car park TRANSPORT Malta's plans to demolish a historic reservoir in Bormla and rebuild it beneath a 104-space car park have re- ceived a conditional yes from the heritage watchdog. The Superintendence of Cul- tural Heritage (SCH) gave its nod for the project outside St Helen's Gate, despite objections from the Stormwater Directo- rate, a government entity. TM's plans are also opposed by environmental NGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA). The SCH said the pro- posed planning application (PA/06799/26) could be con- sidered provided the parking remains within the existing reservoir footprint. This is to safeguard the fortifications that enjoy Grade 1 scheduling. The superintendence not- ed that the reservoir's original ceiling had already been de- molished and replaced with a concrete structure. However, it is requesting clearer drawings showing the proposed parking footprint in relation to the for- tifications. It also stressed that the res- toration method statement remains subject to its review, approval and conditions, with further comments to follow once the requested clarification is submitted. The SCH's comments follow an objection by the Coastal and Stormwater Directorate, report- ed by MaltaToday last week, which warned that the project would destroy surviving historic masonry, compromise a rain- water-harvesting facility and expose underground parking to flooding. The two authorities focus on different parts of the reser- voir's historic fabric. Its original arched ceiling was severely dam- aged during the Second World War and subsequently replaced with reinforced-concrete pillars and roofing. However, accord- ing to the Stormwater Directo- rate, the original thick masonry perimeter walls have survived. The directorate argues that demolishing these walls would destroy an important example of industrial heritage. It has al- so revealed that it is preparing its own cleaning, restoration and rehabilitation plan for the Bormla reservoir and the orig- inal intact reservoir across the road. The directorate also warned that the project would reduce the combined storage capacity of the two reservoirs, which col- lect around 17,000 cubic metres of road runoff used to irrigate landscaped areas at Dock 1 and Couvre Porte in Birgu. The gov- ernment could consequently be forced to purchase additional irrigation water. The directorate also raised questions about the suitabili- ty of underground parking at a site lying at the lowest point of a large water catchment extend- ing from Tarxien to Dock 1. It also identified missing infra- structure in the plans, including incoming water culverts, sumps, overflow systems and a pump room. Access for cleaning and maintenance would be restrict- ed, while ventilation shafts for maintenance workers are also missing. Conflict of interest Transport Malta has mean- while formally abstained from submitting comments or rec- ommendations as an external consultee on its own planning application. This means that the authority, which assesses the traffic impact of projects sub- mitted by the private sector and other government entities, can- not assess its own projects. TM regularly scrutinises projects submitted by Infrastructure Malta but in this case the appli- cation process is being fronted by TM itself. The authority said that acting simultaneously as applicant and consultee could create a poten- tial conflict of interest, and that it was stepping aside to safe- guard impartiality and proce- dural fairness. It confirmed that it would abstain from consulting on applications it submits it- self until an appropriate official mechanism is established. FAA objects to proposed carpark Environmental NGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) has also strongly opposed demoli- tion, arguing that the reservoir's structural defects and previous alterations call for specialised conservation, repair and reha- bilitation rather than destruc- tion. The NGO points to the infra- structure's links to St Helen's Gate, dating back to 1736, and the mid-19th century Santa Margherita Lines. It argued the reservoir forms part of a fortified landscape with significant archi- tectural and historical value. It warns that deep excavation could threaten the stability and foundations of the adjoining fortifications and disturb their archaeological context. It also argues that prioritising parking would intensify traffic, compro- mise pedestrian safety, increase noise and undermine the char- acter of the historic surround- ings. The NGO is demanding inde- pendent heritage and archaeo- logical assessments in consulta- tion with the SCH, insisting that repair and adaptation options be fully evaluated before demo- lition is considered. JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt The historic reservoir in Bormla JP Fabri Economist THERE is a familiar Maltese expression that captures a par- ticular way of approaching un- certainty: Mbagħad jar'Alla. Loosely translated, it means that when the time comes, God will provide, or somehow things will work themselves out. It is an expression rooted in faith, optimism and the resil- ience that has helped genera- tions of Maltese navigate diffi- cult circumstances. Yet, it can also describe a tendency to post- pone difficult decisions in the hope that tomorrow will accom- modate what we are reluctant to confront today. In economic policymaking, optimism is valu- able, but it cannot substitute for preparation, investment and the deliberate development of pro- ductive capacity. Two weeks have passed since Budget 2027, allowing the imme- diate reactions to settle. Much of the debate has understandably focused on the measures an- nounced, their beneficiaries and the additional costs imposed on particular sectors. However, the more important question con- cerns the direction of economic policy. The finance minister's acknowledgement that Malta must move from growth driven by volume towards growth driv- en by value deserves recognition. However, if this is genuinely our objective, we must examine whether our policy choices are strengthening the economy's ca- pacity to generate greater value or primarily redistributing the proceeds of existing economic activity. Economists distinguish between actual output and po- tential output. The former meas- ures what an economy produces today, while the latter reflects what it can sustainably produce using its labour, capital, technol- ogy and institutions. This dis- tinction is particularly relevant to Malta. Growth can remain strong because employment ex- pands, consumption increases and government expenditure supports demand. Yet, sustaina- ble prosperity requires improve- ments in productive potential through stronger skills, invest- ment, innovation and more ef- ficient resource allocation. An economy can become larger without becoming proportion- ately more productive, and this is precisely the challenge Malta must confront. Opportunity cost The super bonus provides an interesting illustration. A tax- free payment of up to €1,000 will undoubtedly be welcomed by workers and households. Additional disposable income can ease financial pressures and support consumption. Howev- er, from a macroeconomic per- spective, the measure primarily operates on the demand side. With an estimated annual cost of approximately €200 million, it increases purchasing power without directly increasing the economy's capacity to produce additional goods and services. Its economic effect therefore differs fundamentally from investment in education, technology, infra- structure or workforce develop- ment. This distinction matters be- cause Malta operates in an envi- ronment of low unemployment and persistent capacity con- straints. When additional pur- chasing power enters an econo- my where supply cannot respond quickly, part of the resulting de- mand may translate into higher prices rather than greater real output. The inflationary impact is not inevitable. Some house- holds will save their payments, while spending on imports may have limited effects on domestic prices. Nevertheless, locally sup- plied services and other capaci- ty-constrained activities could experience additional pressures. People in Valletta (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)