About Us

SRA is a voluntary, non-profit, non-governmental organization with no political affiliation.  It aims to represent the hitherto little heard voice of Sliema Residents to benefit their communal well-being.  Pooling the knowledge and support of Sliema Residents may provide protection for "the man in the street". 

The new Committee have met and agreed their roles - follow the link to learn who they are and what their interests are.  The team combines different ages, skills and viewpoints so is well able and motivated to represent all Sliema residents.  Communication with the committee members is best handled via the SRA Secretary on info@sra.org.mt

Over recent years, countless planning decisions have been taken causing much of the permanent and destructive changes now visible across Sliema.  Most such changes happened without the conscious consent of the residents affected and without apparent concern for the impact on the community as a whole.  SRA will encourage Sliema Residents to take a part in future decisions so that together we can influence our own destiny and the environment we live in.  Whilst supporting the MEPA reform programme announced, SRA believes that we cannot wait for the tide to turn since we are already awash in concrete.

It is important to note that SRA supports sympathetic and reasonable development; we welcome the rehabilation and improvement of vernacular buildings. However the SRA objects in principle to all developments which significantly increase the population density, putting pressure on society, parking and infrastructure.  Such views are supported by the new Sliema Local Council and the comments on Sliema in the North Harbours Local Plan published by MEPA in 2006 (which was intended to guide development decisions).  Too often it seems that private interests influence public policy.

Unsustainable population density inevitably results from the substitution of traditional town houses (with yards or gardens) by tall apartment blocks.  These modern apartments tend to be energy inefficient (with little natural light or air circulation) and to deny the occupants any roof space or outdoor areas.  Few modern developments are designed to collect rainwater resulting in increased dependency on mains water (which is produced by reverse osmosis using electricity generated by burning oil) and periodic flooding due to stormwater runoff into the streets and the sewer system.  Even the drainage system of Sliema seems to be overwhelmed and outdated so that the creek is often contaminated with sewage especially after heavy rain.  SRA intends to monitor this situation and make recommendations to the relevant bodies that are charged with protecting public health and property.

Although the excavation of basement garages from the bedrock is commonplace (and thoroughly unpleasant for the neighbours during works), many recent developments have been approved where insufficient parking is provided; in such cases, a one-time penalty is paid by the developer for the missing car parking spaces with the stated intention that these funds are dedicated to providing alternative parking facilities.  This Commuted Parking Payment Scheme (CPPS) has been in operation in Sliema since 1994 and yet none of the funds appear to have been spent on off-street parking yet.  SRA is insisting that the authorities conduct a study of the traffic situation in Sliema and come up with an holistic solution to the traffic/parking problem. 

The SRA believes that Sliema has already passed the sensible limit of development and needs to act urgently to retain the few open spaces, trees and gardens that remain so as to provide some lungs to this congested area and to offer those who dwell here recreational spaces.  Traffic management and air pollution are closely linked issues that need a long term solution.  SRA will support any organisation addressing this matter seriously and intends to remain vigilant on the issue of air quality since the air monitoring results in Sliema are known to exceed EU limits.  Residents are encouraged to comment on the recent public consultation document on air quality and to follow the progress of the debate on enforcement of air quality targets in Malta.

Other issues of general concern to the local community are known (such as the need of residential homes for elderly persons who do not wish to leave Sliema after a lifetime spent in the town), the SRA may be able to help with research, analysis, presentation and perhaps identifying options.  Local knowledge can be very powerful when harnessed in a positive fashion.  See our wishlist of local problems that need attention to improve living conditions better for all.  Other items will be considered and added as proposed by our members. 

SRA aims to tackle both strategic issues (such as sustainable development policies) and more tactical matters (such as the state of the pavements).  We ask for feedback and alerts from all local residents.  SRA will always seek collaboration with the relevant authorities and with the local business community.  The SRA intends to represent local and foreign residents since almost 20% of the adults living in Sliema are non-Maltese.  The website is offered in English as this is the international language of the Web and an official language recognised under the constitution of Malta.  However anyone wishing to contribute or correspondence in Maltese is most welcome to do so.  

Please click on Volunteering to see the kind of help we seek now and please do contact us if you can offer even just an hour or two occasionally. SRA has a PO Box address for receiving postal comments. Join SRA so that 'About Us' becomes about you too - it is a satisfying way to contribute to your community and meet like-minded people in your neighbourhood.

The SRA has registered with the Voluntary Organisations Commission and with the Data Protection Commission.  SRA has drawn up a Statute to regulate meetings and decisions and a Privacy Policy to protect the names and contacts of members.  If you have any further queries, please Contact Us.

SRA thanks those who have supported and encouraged its efforts - particularly Alert Communications for their help in publishing and hosting this website.