Housing and the environment in Malta

Abstract

The advancement of technology in the 20th Century was illustrated in 1985 by the possible launching of the highly controversial 'Star Wars' Space Project. Although Malta can never aspire to participating in such major projects, we too are reaping the benefits of living in an ultra progressive world which we are proud to form part of. New and modern technology has greatly improved the general standard of living on our small archipelago. Today, the majority of our homes are equipped with the latest labour saving devices, such a food mixers and washing machines, as well as the more sophisticated Hi-Fi equipment such as colour television sets and home computers. Despitee the progress in our homes, it is to be regretted that Maltese towns and villages are far uglier and dirtier than those in many other countries. There is general apathy towards the environment - is it possible that our architecture and civil engineering standards are so primitive that constructing a proper road (with a durable surface and adequate drainage provisions) has become something beyond us?