Safi supermarket permit: Ministry backs call for legal change

Corinne Vella

Mar 3rd 2008, 13:24

What say does the voter have in deciding the 'no-go areas' of coalition partners and how can they be sure those positions will be respected? For instance, how can the voter be sure the MLP will respect AD's position on golf courses?

Claire Bonello

Mar 2nd 2008, 16:40

In a coalition government all the partners act as a "check" on each other. The partners all know which areas are no-go areas and respect that. Moreover parties in parliament are exposed to public scrutiny and have to be far more accountable than parties which are not.

joe borg

Mar 1st 2008, 22:44

Marika, PN may have to reconsider their arrogant stand. The indications are quite clear. Whoever was staunch Nationalist or Labour will remain so. Whoever is in the middle, and they are the real deciders of the election, Gonzi in his arrogance has done precious little to convince, and done nothing against the rampant corruption except say "prove it". It is his job to prove it, and root it out at the source, given the least suspicion. Some of the middle votes will go towards MLP, but many who normally sway towards PN have had enough of this corrupt party. They will vote for the small parties, abstain, or vote MLP. Gonzi must know this despite his cocksure smile. So he may well have opportunity to regret his arrogant rejection. You make your own bed and you sleep in it they say. Tell me I'm wrong, and we'll see how it unfolds.

Charles Cassar

Mar 1st 2008, 22:28

Mr Carbonaro, the Safi permit cannot be revoked because the permit was issued and work started. If it is revoked the developper has all the right to sue the government and funnily enough that compenastion will come out of our pockets.

I note that this is not the only case of issuing permits in area supposed to be in an OUT OF DEVELOPMENT ZONE area. Today another case was made public. The destruction of MISTRA , a special area of conservation -international importance (EU Code - MT0000010).
Application No. 05880/05 with MEPA shows all the details about this application. First refused then granted. Now they are saying an outline permit was issued. Today we find out that the land is owned by the MP who pretends to be the environment guru. He said that he leased the land less than a year ago to a third party and this third party is now developing it. So he wants us to believe that this 3rd party is investing all the money in developing this project on a land which he doesn't own. IDDAHAQNIEX!!!! Honestly if there was one MP whom I admired was this cool guy but it seems that he also followed the rest . They are all the same so we better change them every five or ten years.

Joe Martinelli

Mar 1st 2008, 19:48

What makes Maria Dolores think that Sant, IF elected will not do the same and let the project proceed?

What's another U turn - he is so accustomed to them he should be named king of U turns.

If an error was made by the authority which is supposed to control the issuing of permits, then it should be liable especially if the developer had started the project.

Anywhere else such a situation would be handled either by withdrawing the permit and coughing up actual and legal expenses incurred by the developer including possibly the granting of an alternate site suitable for the project OR if the problem is the site itself which encroaches on land marked as a green area and such site does not impact the green area to a large degree, then an amendment is made to accommodate the project. Such an action is called 'granting of a variance'. In other words, the permit has been granted in variance of the present zoning regulations. By calling it a 'variance' it makes it clear that no one else will be permitted to infringe on the green area, otherwise why designate green areas to begin with?

Mistakes happen for many reasons. They happen in Malta and they happen in much more sophisticated countries where such zoning regulations exist in the strictest forms and compromises are always reached, most often leaning to the developer's interest. Such is the nature of the beast!

Carmel J Farrugia

Mar 1st 2008, 19:36

Certain people are naive. How ever in a practicing democracy has a party renewed itself when in government. The Nationalist Party needs a spell in Oppostion both for the good of this country and for its own good. The moral fibre of the party is down in the dumps. When things like this happen and ministers and caditates act as if nothing has happened prove this.

Corinne Vella

Mar 1st 2008, 18:59

AD will provide a check on government? And who will provide a check on AD?

James De Giorgio

Mar 1st 2008, 14:45

Maria Dolores Fenech, you propose voting Labour to avoid the confusion of coalitions. I'd rather vote Nationalist to avoid the confusion of Sant.

effie cabonaro

Mar 1st 2008, 12:03

While all this bla bla bla goes on an someone tell us if Polidano is going ahead with his project or it is being revoked.?

marika formosa

Feb 29th 2008, 20:50

Economic stability and growth needs a strong decisive government. A coalition government can never be strong, especially if the balance of power is held by one or two seats held by a small party. One AD speaker in a debate spoke about the need of a third party to CONTROL the actions of the larger party in government - hardly a recipe for a strong government. Malta already experienced a sort of coalition government. It was the Sant-Mintoff govt. of 96-98 ; in less than 2 years we were back at the polls. If you want instability vote for one of the smaller parties. PN is absolutely right in rejecting outright the idea of a coalition.

Maria Dolores Fenech

Feb 29th 2008, 18:38

It seems that if the AD elects a candidate, and nobody has a majority, a coalition is made. The AD makes a coalition with the PN. Does Dr Cacopardo want to go back working with the PN if he has just resigned from it? What happens if the PN does not stop this development after the election? The only way to stop all this is by voting Labour because even the AD does not have a clear vision regarding coalition.

Jo Ann Vassallo

Feb 29th 2008, 17:50

It is quite clear that MEPA suffers form a lack of accountability and credibility. I don’t see why this wasn't tackled during the last four and a half years.

Claire Bonello

Feb 29th 2008, 17:29

Joe Borg has summed it all up very well. We can't just keep on living in a country where one half of the population hates the other half and where maladministration is tolerated for 4 and a half years, and then dismissed with pre-electoral promises of better things to come. We need a check on government and I feel that AD would be in a good position to provide that check.

John Schembri

Feb 29th 2008, 16:47

In my opinion , if the building is Outside Development Zone , MEPA should not have given a permit. Mepa is still in time to correct its mistakes : Compensate the developer for the works which were already done , and rehabilitate the land to its original use. It has enough funds to do it.
Ministers should not have anything to do with authorities' decisions.
Can anyone ,for a moment imagine a minister imposing his irrevocable decisions on the Broadcasting AUTHORITY?
Will the political parties implement what the auditor is recommending in one week's time after the election?

joe borg

Feb 29th 2008, 16:07

Dear Claire, you're well intentioned, but taken in with Gonzi's fine words. Believe me I have well more than that in mind. The matters below are not petty at all. I don't know how anybody in this country can turn a blind eye to corruption when so much is unaccounted for. Why did the Mater Dei project cost so much? Why did I have to pay 3% more VAT to sustain this? I'm not in favour of Labour but I do believe in political restraint, that anybody in power must be kept in check and be fully accountable. And PN have done nothing in this respect, rather taken things to the point where the blatant arrogance is beyond any acceptable limit. So no, PN will not get my vote this time. And with me there are several other citizens who will see it the same way and give this party the rap on the knuckles they deserve. In their heart of hearts, the politicians know this. It is what will make the difference. I say it again, you reap what you sow. All of it, not just wool across the eyes. Gonzi will have to come to terms with that, and maybe next time round we'll have a better government.

Anthony Paris

Feb 29th 2008, 16:01

Claire Fenech thinks that ruining the environment is a petty issue. No doubt the corruption that ipermeates all around us is also petty by her standards.

marika formosa

Feb 29th 2008, 15:29

The Structure Plan is what matters. No changes were made to Structure Plan policies dealing with ODZ developments. PN did not say that no further permits would be issued ODZ because of the changes to dev. boundaries. At best what was said is that the changes will ease pressures for ODZ development.

David Schembri

Feb 29th 2008, 14:20

Dear Claire, unfortunately reports don't demolish concrete monuments to Malta's environmental and planning inadequacy being built on virgin soil. Words are ok, but what action will be taken?

Claire Bonello

Feb 29th 2008, 14:03

When the Nationalist Party extended the development zones during the 2006 rationalisation exercise, we were led to believe that no further permits for development in ODZ zones would be allowed (except for developments such as farms, which necessarily have to be sited in such areas). Then you get the DCC approving a hypermarket because it is not incompatible with agricultural uses. How compatible is the sale of consumables with farming? You tell me.

M. Savona

Feb 29th 2008, 13:42

Why dont the board members take out a professional indemnity insurance policy so that if they make a professional mistake the country can claim damages to put right the damages done!!!
Somoeone has to be responsible for this fracas and I wouldnt blame it on the developer (although he is a giant) it is the fault of who issued the permit!

Claire fenech

Feb 29th 2008, 13:40

Dear Joe Borg, the vote is yours and yours only, However, before casting your vote on the 8th of March, remember these points.

If it weren't for the PN in Government you would not have such open spaces to go to, you will loose the chance to openly be invited to Castille to discuss the budget for your country, you will loose all the credibility as a Maltese with all the Europeans (as Dr Sant will re-open negotiations), your kids (if you have any) will have to repeat an extra year, you will loose the chance to live in a country which is deficit free, you will loose the chance to have your income tax reduced, but above all MALTA will lose the chance to implement a vision which will create more jobs and a better environment for us all.

Mind you, I agree with you that certain things were not right and need to be changed asap. But when you compare, these are petty things.

All, let's try to put the right things into perspective.

Tony Vella

Feb 29th 2008, 13:28

At this stage, I suggest more audits on permits issued by all 3 DCC boards. The Government provided the tool (MEPA) and people use it. Now if people are using it badly, I wouldn't blame the Government. A good restructuring exercise in MEPA is what is needed. Good that in the next legislation, it will under the PM;s responsibility.

Let us remember that unless it was for MEPA, Gozo would not have maintained its pristine conditions. So at least some good comes out as well.

As for the PN, the only thing I can say is that in the past five years they closed Maghtab, restructured St Antnin recycle plant, built sewage treatment plant in Gozo, introduced recycle system for glass / plastic / metal, afforestation of 4 areas around Malta, planting of thousands of trees, environment landscaping across the country etc etc etc etc.

Not to mention the €300m from the EU Funds allocated for the environment.

Who said the PN is not a green party?????

joe borg

Feb 29th 2008, 11:47

Mark Galea, it is your right to vote and condone what you please, as it is mine. As for holding the country to ransom, there is a lot of scaremongering about this. AD have a lot to lose in playing primadonna. As I see it they have worked hard to reach this point, it would be irresponsible to blow it all in stupid games. I will not vote AD because I believe in all their policies but because I believe politicians should be kept in check and not be given a five year term to do as they please, and barely sweetening the pill at the end of that term. Because I balk at the arrogance of a government in that position after 20 years, despite having voted for it all this time. If the government falls through an insecure coalition, before its term, so be it, the country will have gained, no matter the cost of another election. That pales in significance to the cost of the Mater Dei project alone. We could have had at least twenty elections with the unaccounted for difference in this project alone. And I won't even go into the Tigne' project or Polidano's hotel in Marfa or the numerous others. Look around you. You live in this country too don't you?

Claire Pace Harmsworth

Feb 29th 2008, 10:01

I do not agree with Mr Schembri's comments saying Mr Caqnu rules. If he did rule then the Auditor wouldn't have issued such a report. This is the main reason the Prime Minister will be taking over the responsibility of MEPA once back in the lead as MEPA is an authority that requires the involvement of Government as a whole. Minister Pullicino has been bombarded with other problems apart from the MEPA issues, like hunting and waste management and MEPA has proved time and time again that it cannot stand on it's own two feet!

effie carbonaro

Feb 29th 2008, 09:38

mr.schembri are we maltese so political blinded that we do not see right from wrong.from all parts of the maltese society has been beging the prime minister to intervene in the process of how mepa has been DISTRIBUTING granting of permits to people like polidano.you called it you wrote that the govt.is not pulling any strings in mepa but i think he is pulling normal people from the strings and made us ordinary puppets.

Mark Galea

Feb 29th 2008, 09:36

To: Joe Borg. Like you I have always voted Nationalist, but, unlike yourself, will most certainly vote Nationalist this time round. This I shall do with more conviction than ever. About a coalition, all I can say is, "Ma tarax!?" An AD coalition with PN would mean that PN would have to accept all AD's proposals. If I knew that AD would be forming a coaltion with PN, than I would not vote PN for the first time ever!

C.Formosa

Feb 29th 2008, 09:22

Am I missing something here? I mean the building will still go ahead and the board members will be replaced by another set of stooges. Who said anything about justice?

M. Savona

Feb 29th 2008, 09:21

All the more reason to put a non dormant 3rd party up there.

Investment from developers should not be blocked as they are the drivers of our economy.

However there are laws which state that it is not the developers fault here, but of the responsible people who issued the permit!!!

If the site was not suitable, other suitable sites should have been suggested without delays!! Investors for this supermarket in this case will just say WHAT ALLOT OF RED TAPE, why should we invest in Malta!

Robert Dimech

Feb 29th 2008, 08:45

I am merely a tax-paying, law abiding, once-in-5-years-allowed-to-vote simple citizen of this speck of an island nation. Could someone please illuminate me how an application for a development in an area designated as OUTSIDE A DEVELOPMENT ZONE, and on agricultural land to boot, be even allowed to be submitted, let alone considered!

Carmel Micallef

Feb 29th 2008, 08:12

What AD achievement? Who set up Mepa? What if Mepa did not exist? Yes I can imagine the situation with AD in parliament, AD will hold the will of the majority to ransom.

joe borg

Feb 29th 2008, 08:09

The buck stops somewhere Ray Pace. You can't excuse those in power because the procedures they themselves have ultimate responsibility for are too lengthy and bureaucratic. Why a reaction now? There were years to do this. Why injustices like the Tigne' project? The list is endless. And the Prime Minister hides behind "prove it". Does he honestly think we're that stupid? He's lost my vote, this time round at least.

Joe Galea

Feb 29th 2008, 08:09

This is another blow for the almighty Gonzi and his party. You can hide your mistakes and lies but one day or another "iz-zejt jitla f'wicc l-ilma". Another admission of failure of the GonziPN government...that's why Gonzi wants MEPA under his control.
Beware GonziPN ordered to keep Super1 hostages with arrogance for a long time so that they won't ask any questions to him.
What a farce will be tonight on Xarabank!!!

Vivienne Pace

Feb 29th 2008, 07:57

It is interesting to note that AD are claiming victory after requesting an investigation from the Auditor's Office - a structure within MEPA which was set up by none other than Minister Pullicino himself.

This means that, after all, AD believes in an office that was created by the current PN administration - which implies that AD agrees with the PN's policy in this area.

So I guess I won't need to vote AD to drive their green agenda. If what the PN has done so far is ok with them, then a vote for PN come March 8 suits me fine as well.

John Schembri

Feb 29th 2008, 00:01

A resignation is not an admission of guilt.From what is being written , are people implying that the Minister should have intervened? My answer would be a definite : "NO". If we do that we will go back to square one ; to the 80's where the Politician highjacked the PAPB system.
I tend to agree with Daniel P . Xuereb where the environment and planning should be two different entities.MEPA has grown into a monster which needs to be tamed .The fact that the MEPA auditor presented his report on the eve of an election ,only proves , if proof is needed , that the government is not pulling any strings in MEPA.The Mepa auditor was free to publish his report anytime he wanted to.

Miriam Galea

Feb 28th 2008, 23:40

This is yet another achievement for AD and the people of goodwill. Imagine what we can accomplish with AD in parliament.

Byron Camilleri

Feb 28th 2008, 23:08

A big indication that general elections are coming...

Victor Laiviera

Feb 28th 2008, 22:31

The DCC board were hand-picked by the government and that is where the real responsibility ultimately lies. It is Pullicino and Gonzi who are respopnsisibel for this debacle.

Karl Serracino

Feb 28th 2008, 22:24

Well done. Lets follow these footsteps.

Joe Mizzi

Feb 28th 2008, 22:15

this last sentence" "The government, meanwhile, today appointed a new Development Contol Commission." is to me somewhat baffling. Sounds like we have 'reserves' lined up.

David Schembri

Feb 28th 2008, 22:09

The funny thing is, that although the members have resigned, the horrible building will still be built. I don't know if anyone is familiar with the landscape, but one had a perfect picture from that area.

Sadly, Mr Caqnu seems to rule, and us poor(er) citizens have to endure his unaesthetic developmental bullying.

Not to mention the fact that this supermarket is being built right across the road from Skola San Benedittu, which will cause further congestion in a previously unperturbed piece of land.

This IS sad.

joe borg

Feb 28th 2008, 21:48

Myself too. I have voted Nationalist all my life but not this time. This situation is the scourge of our country, and Gonzi's empty "prove it" challenges are like a cracked bell. AD will get my vote. And if you want to govern PN get off your high horse and consider a coalition. Definitely, definitely, this situation must be curbed.

ray pace

Feb 28th 2008, 21:33

Without going into the merit of this particular case may i ask the following question - what should be done when the case officers recommend approval of a development and the whole board decides otherwise even though the development is within scheme? Without defending any board member, do all those condemning the prime minister, minister and MEPA board members know the lenghty procedures and in cases bureaucracies in settling even petty applications due to the pressure on nearly every application for large development? The PM made a bold statement about taking responsibility for MEPA reform once re-elected into power. Let's hope that all concerned will contribute for this reform to take the required effect. Whilst hoping that all efforts are done to conserve our ODZ's, one must remember the thousands of workers who tend to lose if we all allow development to stall. May common sense prevail by one and all.

Joseph Ellis

Feb 28th 2008, 20:42

Minister Pullicino is all of a sudden coming out with all sorts of legislative initiatives when he is no longer in a position to pilot them. Only a few weeks before the dissolution of parliament, he came up with a bill to reform Mepa when it was evident that such a bill would never make it to the president.

Now, he is backing calls for the introduction of a provision that would enable the revocation of a permit if it is issued against official policy. If this provision had been in place, a substantial amount of permits would be revoked, basically all the applications that are approved by the DCC in spite of a negative recommendation by the Directorate.

Though the need for such a provision has been felt for a long time, minister Pullicino has belatedly endorsed such a change. To be fair, I have never heard such a proposal being made by the Opposition and if I am not mistaken, the original Development Planning Act allowed for the revocation of a building permit until it was amended during the Sant government.

When people talk about reforming Mepa, they usually mean ensuring that there are fewer obstacles to the approval of permits. However, true reform entails less political interference in the workings of Mepa and structural changes that would give real standing to objectors, ensure speedy and effective appeal proceedings and the curtailment of arbitrary and inconsistent decisions. It is high time these objectives are spelt out in some detail and Mepa is allowed to discharge its mission in the manner originally envisaged.

Adriano Cefai

Feb 28th 2008, 20:16

Finally some justice.. though im not sure that the auditor has any binding effect (a lacuna in the law so to say), he may only issue reccomendations ...

Hopefully the permit will be revoked!... MEPA & the govenment need to understand that Malta is a pebble and our green areas are NUMBERED!!!!!

Jasper de Trafford

Feb 28th 2008, 17:48

Finally MEPA decision makers accept responsibility for their actions. The entire board should follow their example... and stop disgracing themselves and embarassing their country.

Tonio Farrugia

Feb 28th 2008, 17:37

The resignation of the board surely depicts some form of irregularity. I believe that Min. Pullicino should finally stand up for his shortcommings which are inevitably spoiling all the good done by the current administration. Calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister, is what I see a far cry! People should be made responsible for their actions. I am very much afraid, also given past experience, that all the commissions that the Labour administration sets up when in government, tend to be very costly, bureaucratic and most importantly inconclusive. And this is minuted history.

Emanuel Bajada

Feb 28th 2008, 17:08

The Auditor Falzon should now check other projects approved recently by DCC "A.

Joseph Briffa

Feb 28th 2008, 16:15

These events show what democracy is all about. Thanks to the PN, there are these regulatory structures in our country. These structures were put in place by the PN after 1987 when full democracy started being restored. The position was consolidated by means of Malta's membership in the EU. The events in caption would not have taken place had these set-ups not been in place. Three cheers for a democratic government! And yes, AD is a very strong pressure group. It has also been proved that AD does not need to have a representation in the House to be effective.

Matthew Borg Cardona

Feb 28th 2008, 16:06

Hats off to Alternattiva Demokratika!

Joseph Micallef

Feb 28th 2008, 12:49

Completely missing the wood for the trees. If anything this affair shows that institutions function and that anyone can put his foot down if he has proof to support his claim. Not hear-say, not grapevine talk but facts. Action not opportunistic cowardice stops injustice.

Simon Camilleri

Feb 28th 2008, 12:47

It will be interesting to see whether these DCC board members will be investigated or beatified

Joseph Camilleri

Feb 28th 2008, 09:31

One mustn't be too surprised about this. Such has been happening during the entire legislature, but people tend to forget. Perhaps it happened in the nick of time, to remind us all of the way things have been for the past years, when casting our vote.

Victor Laiviera

Feb 28th 2008, 09:17

The names of the people who made up the DCC should be published so that the Maltese people will know who was responsible for this latest desecration of our natural heritage and to ensure that they are never again trusted with public office.

Keith Grech

Feb 28th 2008, 09:01

I assume this is the last straw!!! This government does not believe in green policy. I have made up my mind.....no longer in the undecided catagory!!!! MLP and AD will be on my voting sheet.

David Mallia

Feb 28th 2008, 08:59

Who appoints the DCC Board members?

Marco Spiteri

Feb 28th 2008, 08:45

I guess you can never win with you guys. If the commission had not resigned you would have said its corruption and because it did resign you blame it on the government for taking action. Can you please decide.

Damian P. Xuereb

Feb 28th 2008, 08:38

In my humble opinion, MEPA should be disbanded and quartered: Environment and Planning should be dealt with as separate bodies, with a strict, distinct interest in the respective fields. Decision making, like any auditing function, should be external to the official body. Give the decision making to a committee who cannot be purchased by some greedy developer. Give it to environmentalists, foreigners and individuals appointed on moral integrity and competence. Above all change the commission on a regular basis, to avoid doubts.

Joe Mizzi

Feb 28th 2008, 08:20

Good to see AD put its money where its mouth is. Well Done!

Anthony Buttigieg

Feb 28th 2008, 08:12

Once again Alternattiva have been proven right on another environmental issue. Whilst the present governement may justifiably pat its own back over the economy, its a good thing that this small party is doing everything it can to stop turning Malta into a concrete jungle.

Ian Meli

Feb 28th 2008, 07:51

This is yet another victory for the country achieved by Alternattiva Demokratika. A vote to Alternattiva Demokratika can ensure a coalition or seat in parliament. Such a vote will also ensure the continued work against such gross irregularities.

This proves why a coalition government is direly needed by this country.

To name some other achievements are the decision not to build a golf course in Ghajn Tuffieha, the decision to stop the villas being built in Ramla l-Hamra, the revelation of the MEPA auditor's report in Sant'Antnin.

A vote for Alternattiva Demokratika ensures that the most beautiful places in Malta remain there for the benefit of all Maltese citizens and coming generations. "With actions and NOT WORDS"

Anthony Mercieca

Feb 28th 2008, 07:23

Those who are pointing accusing fingers towards members of the administration, must also realize that the administration has created the necessary mechanisms for checks. As results show, these are working.

D.MANGION

Feb 28th 2008, 06:59

Yet another victory for Citizen Joe which came by way of AD.
To think that elswhere in previous comments on this same website there were people who claimed that AD has never done anything tangible for the environment ! For AD this is just another achievment in a longer list, even though without a parliamentary representation.
Don't you think that we all should beef up AD a little bit more. They are our ONLY real shield against Emperor Polidano and his political apologists. Let our vote do its part.
Thanks AD. Thanks Harry and Co.

ALBERT FENECH

Feb 28th 2008, 05:39

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS - This surely must be the final knell on the current Government, the last (or perhaps there are more yet to come) of a long list of nails in the coffin. There is now only one alternative left for Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi and his Minister Dr. George Pullicino, and that is honourable hara-kiri, instant resignation. That is, unless they exercise their usual Three Jungle Monkeys Policy of seeing nothing, hearing nothing and saying nothing. When Dr. Alfred Sant becomes Prime Minister on 9th March his first action should be to set-up an Independent Commission to investigate all cases of wrongdoing by MEPA in recent years so as to enable the legal process to extract democratic and legal retribution on behalf of all the people that have wronged over the years.

Paola Demicoli

Feb 28th 2008, 02:12

Great!!! How incompetent can this government be?!! How can people ever vote Pullicino again?!!

Victor Laiiviera

Feb 28th 2008, 01:38

The resignations should be rejected and these people should be made to stay and face the consequences of their actions.