David-Paul Grima, Structural and Civil Engineer at SAS Malta, on Friday (today) called out Malta’s authorities, stating that they are failing in the planning of the country’s green spaces.

In a LinkedIn post, Ing. Grima highlighted that green spaces are “essential, if not crucial” for congested areas.

“They provide spaces of tranquillity from the hustle and bustle of everyday life as well as a relief from traffic congested areas,” he said.

One of the green spaces in London that David-Paul Grima highlighted / LinkedIn

He pointed towards London as one of the cities that tackles the planning of green spaces well, with extremely well-planned green spaces.

On the other hand, Ing. Grima said that Malta “fails miserably at this.”

Speaking to WhosWho.mt, he said that he feels “really frustrated that taking care of the environment and planting trees is not costly, yet never gets done.”

In his post, he remarked that despite promises, a wooded area in the south of Malta is yet to materialise, while gardens are “rarely permeable and often surrounded by high walls.”

“Squares are refurbished with more emphasis given to paving than trees. Mosta is a clear example as over 80 per cent of trees are potted rather than planted in the ground, which is a shame,” Ing. Grima said.

The recently pedestrianised Mosta square has been a topic of debate for many reasons over the past few months. Trees in Mosta were set to be uprooted, before NGO Moviment Graffitti managed to save them after repeated protests. Some months later, the same trees had holes drilled into them, with many fearing that they would be poisoned.

Ing. Grima said that many new trees in Malta are “rarely watered,” highlighting that in Żebbuġ, the village he lives in, it took the personal initiative of Mayor Steve Żammit Lupi for an innovative way of watering plans to be implemented.

Earlier this year, the mayor spearheaded the installation of 200 water bags, each with a carrying capacity of 70 litres, which would release water over a weeklong period through drip irrigation. This is a system that is used in many European countries, including London.

“Green areas are crucial but they have to be managed by environmentalists, not by politicians or business analysts,” Ing Grima added.

Ing. Grima is highly experienced in the field of architecture and engineering, with a strong focus on structural design, civil engineering, and sustainability. He is particularly passionate about value engineering, sustainable development, green spaces, and affordable housing.