Sant insists on names of beneficiaries in planning zone extensions

Opposition Leader Alfred Sant has challenged the government to publish the names of those who own plots that are to be included in the extension to the development boundaries.

In a speech laced with relentless attacks on the entire Cabinet, the Labour leader took the government to task over the controversial planning proposals, amid allegations of institutionalised corruption.

Speaking during a political activity in Fgura, Dr Sant took exception to comments made by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi on Saturday that the decision to extend development boundaries was done to eliminate injustices and anomalies.

With the stroke of a pen, the Cabinet had effectively turned into a joke the ideals of fairness and transparency it normally attributes to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

It was no wonder that the decision had led to a chorus of disapproval, Dr Sant said, claiming that the only "social motivation" cited by the Prime Minister was nothing more than a convenient ploy for the Nationalist Party's friends to make money.

If it wanted to probe the claims of injustices raised by the 1988 temporary schemes all the government should have done was to appoint a tribunal to look into all the cases.

"They can sue me for libel as much as they like and I will repeat it - this is a web of corruption," he charged.

While describing Dr Gonzi as a poor imitation of his predecessor, Dr Sant accused the government of being interested solely in serving the friends of friends close to the PN. Increasingly more people, even non-Labourites, are realising that it is certain cliques that keep benefiting from the system.

Speaking on a general note, Dr Sant accused government ministries of being in disarray and of lacking coordination.

He asked how the Prime Minister can look the other way when his ministers are making a mess of things - citing in particular incidents over the last few weeks involving Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo, Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett, Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit and Parliamentary Secretary Tony Abela.

The government might as well repeal the code of ethics for ministers if the Prime Minister refuses to acknowledge the irregularities that are taking place all around him. "How can the Prime Minister keep defending the indefensible?"

Turning to the SmartCity investment, Dr Sant made it clear his party had no intention of disrupting the project, to the extent that a party delegation made this clear to the company's management during a recent trip to Dubai.

Dr Sant insisted it was time for change and the MLP was prepared to take over at the helm. And in preparation for that challenge, the MLP's officials intend to meet face to face with three quarters of the electorate before the upcoming election.