Gonzi in listening mode on Mepa reform

The Prime Minister has embarked on the "long, complicated" reform process of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and is this week meeting six organisations to hear their views.

"This process is fundamental because it is intimately linked to sustainable development," Lawrence Gonzi said.

"Pushing a strategy to freeze development is not right, yet it's also wrong to expect to develop areas that are precious to the island's heritage and quality of life. It's important to strike the right balance and I'm convinced we'll get there," he stressed.

Mepa's reform was intended to lead towards greater transparency, consistent and efficient decisions and improved enforcement.

"I have made my position clear that as a policy we need to move towards a principle where there is no development in outside development zones except in exceptional cases such as agricultural projects, for example," Dr Gonzi said.

The first meeting kicked off yesterday evening with the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU, which presented a position paper containing its members' feedback and proposed solutions.

GRTU director general Vince Farrugia said a survey had been carried out among its members - especially developers, who number over 250 - and the major issues that emerged was the problem of unidentified roles within Mepa and "mini empires" within the same organisation.

To succeed in shedding its present image, Mepa had to take on a real management approach through improved structures, a full-time Development Control Commission board and more professionals involved in the decision-making process, among others.

Dr Gonzi will tomorrow be meeting the Chamber of Architects, the Malta Chamber of Planners, Mepa's Users Committee, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Nature Trust and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar.