A study commissioned by the Inspirasia Foundation to the University of Maltaās Faculty for Social Wellbeing concluded that the rapid change experienced by the capital is bringing along new challenges to its residents.
Impacting the liveability of residents are factors such as lack of parking and public spaces, and lack of enforcements in recreational and construction industries.
Findings of questionnaire administered by post to all Valletta residents yielded a fairly representative sample of responses that illuminated micro liveability dimensions affecting the resident community of post-Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture. The research design also comprised a focus group discussion with stakeholders that included residents, representatves of the business communities, state entities and authorities, as well as activists. A highlight finding was the pride of being āBeltinā among the residents, a perception that was found to be significantly more powerful than affiliations to state, religious or football entities. This sense of belonging also fuelled a lack of integration with new arrivals to the city.
The study recommends more integration between Valletta stakeholders, incentives to enhance involvement of the younger generations of Valletta families in the community and investment in research and infrastructure to support an ageing population that has experienced the very rapid economic and social change over a short span. It was also found that many āBeltinā living in other localities due to unaffordable property prices, maintained their presence in Valletta, particularly through civil society organisations such as band clubs. Many of these yearn to return to living in Valletta.
A number of projects of benefit to Valletta residents that are currently being offered to them were also mentioned, such as the free transport for residents, projects done with the local primary school, and the free blood tests for diabetes offered by the Malta Medical Students Association.
The research was conducted by Dr Maria Brown and Dr Andrew Camilleri, and coordinated by Prof. Andrew Azzopardi.
āIn view of the fact that in the last century the capitalās population has decreased significantly and considering the rapid social change that Valletta experienced over the past 5 to 10 years, particularly as an outcome of holding the European Capital of Culture title, the study targeted mapping lifestyles and liveability challenges and gaps in social wellbeing. Together with residents and other stakeholders of the Capital, we sought to identify some ideas for improvement that dwell on principles of participatory community action and community developmentā, said Dr Maria Brown.