MHRA warns of misuse of ‘emergency’ excavation exemptions in Paceville and St Julian’s

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) has raised serious concerns over the growing number of disruptive works taking place under the guise of emergency exemptions, accusing both public and private entities of poor planning and weak project coordination.

The association stressed that these exemptions were designed to be rare exceptions, not routine occurrences.

“The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) urges immediate action to address ongoing disruptions in Paceville and St Julian’s, where excavation works, traffic congestion, and noise are negatively impacting the tourism experience during the busy season,” the statement read.

The association noted that excavation works, construction noise and traffic have created serious challenges for hospitality operators, taxi services, and delivery providers, raising questions about Malta’s capacity to sustain its reputation as a high-quality tourism destination.

“Paceville should offer vibrant, safe, and well-managed entertainment. Instead, noise pollution, traffic chaos, and poor maintenance are harming businesses and frustrating visitors and locals alike,” the statement continued.

Last week’s building collapse in Paceville Road has amplified concerns around safety and disrupted accessibility, making it difficult for operational services to function effectively.

While expressing support for the Malta Tourism Authority and the Ministry for Tourism, the MHRA stressed that coordinated action across all responsible ministries and agencies is urgently needed. It called for improved management of all infrastructural activities, ranging from roadworks to demolition, especially in tourism hotspots.

“Works and development must continue, but they must be planned and executed in a way that protects the tourism product,” the MHRA said. “We are not against development; we are against chaos.”

While aware that development works must go on, the MHRA demanded “improved management of all infrastructural activities – construction, demoloition and roadworks,” that significantly impacts tourist’s experience.

“This approach should extend to other busy tourism hubs like Sliema, Qawra, and Bugibba,” the statement concluded.