When I look around me, construction seems to be everywhere. Cranes dominate the skyline, roads are constantly being dug up, and new buildings appear overnight. It is therefore no surprise that Malta is not a walkable country.
This is especially true in central areas, where the population density is highest. One might assume that because Malta is such a small country, people would walk more frequently. After all, distances are shorter. But that assumption could not be further from the truth.
Malta’s roads and infrastructure are not designed with pedestrians in mind. There is little sense of cohesive planning, and the urban landscape often feels chaotic. Buildings appear randomly placed, with architectural styles that rarely complement each other. The result is a built environment that feels disjointed and unplanned.
In contrast, cities in larger countries often demonstrate greater urban coherence. Take Dubai or cities across France. Despite their size and complexity, their infrastructure and architectural styles often follow a consistent vision. Streets, public spaces, and transport networks are designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind.
In Malta, that sense of cohesion is far less evident.
The ongoing Msida Creek Project perfectly illustrates this issue. For many residents, myself included, it has been a nightmare.
Every time I pass through the area, it feels like navigating a war zone. Getting from point A to point B is incredibly difficult. On one occasion, I simply wanted to cross the road. Because of the roadworks, the zebra crossing had been removed and there were no signs indicating an alternative route. Every possible path seemed blocked.
In the end, I had to take a bus operated by Tallinja just to reach the other side of the area. The ride lasted one minute. All I wanted to do was cross the road.
This problem is not limited to one construction site. It affects daily life in other ways too.
My school, for instance, is only about a 35-minute walk from home. In theory, that should make walking the obvious choice. Yet most of the time, I take the bus instead, because walking simply is not viable and safe.
Occasionally, I walk home with friends. But the experience often feels like navigating a treacherous zone. Pavements along major roads are either non-existent or far too narrow. When they do exist, they can feel dangerously close to passing traffic. Cars rush by at high speeds, sometimes only inches away.
For a pedestrian, the message is clear: the infrastructure was never designed with you in mind.
And I’m not the only one complaining. Recently, I overheard two elderly Maltese women discussing the Msida Creek Project. They were talking about how the government keeps insisting that the plans were discussed with citizens. One of them responded bluntly:
“ma ddiskutew xejn” — they didn’t discuss anything.
That brief exchange captures a wider sentiment. The frustration surrounding these projects is not limited to one group; it is felt across generations, in different ways.
This becomes even more concerning when considering public health. Malta has one of the highest obesity rates in the European Union. If we acknowledge this reality, then urban planning must become part of the solution. https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-12/2021_chp_malta_english.pdf
Encouraging walking is not simply a lifestyle trend, it is a public policy issue. Safe pavements, clear pedestrian crossings, and thoughtful urban design can make walking a normal part of everyday life. If Malta wants healthier communities and more livable cities, it must rethink its infrastructure. Not just build more, but build better.
Because right now, taking a simple walk can feel like navigating a concrete jungle.