Ghadira road: zero option should not be excluded - Deidun
The existing road at Ghadira.
Consultants engaged on the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) on the various Ghadira road alternatives should be jointly chosen between the (ADT) and objectors to the development, including farmers and NGOs such as Birdlife, Nationalist candidate Alan Deidun has said.
He made his comments during a meeting with farmers who work their fields in the area of the proposed new road.
In addition, he said, the same objectors should be given the oportunity to appoint their own experts and be accorded financial aid to meet the expenses of this consultation. This would instill confidence that the process was transparent.
Dr Deidun argued that the zero option - that of maintaining the status quo, should not be discounted.
Claims that the existing road was causing the erosion of the beach at Ghadira had to be substantiated by extensive modelling exercises which would then have to be spelt out to the layman in clear terms.
Dr. Deidun said that projects funded through EU had to respect stringent environmental standards and follow a rigorous system of green certification. The fact that the Mellieha Bay environs featured the Foresta 2000 site, the Ghadira bird sanctuary, the il-Hofra site, which was a protected area of ecological importance and extensive garigue stretches should preclude fast-tracking of any of the four submitted proposals.
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MBorg
Apr 28th 2009, 19:24
I think this shows the consistency and courage with which Dr. Deidun has always faced environmental issues. Emphasizing scientific procedures in the form of EIA together with his consideration of the numerous farmers earning a living through fields in the area, he has a balanced perspective of the issue at hand.
Considering the fact that Dr. Deidun is a scientist with a particular interest in sandy beaches, his claims on this project must not be taken lightly. As Dr. Deidun rightly suggests the zero option should not be discounted.
Although the PN has been traditionally associated with contractors and developers, a candidate such as Dr. Deidun, with his continuous assail on projects which are not environmentally viable proves that a real change can occur even within a party which hasn't always kept the cleanest of environmental records.
Andrew Scicluna
Apr 28th 2009, 12:23
The need to replace exissting road is very important for that area regarding many factors re ambient and tourist industry.
To constract a new road you dont have to destroy the soil fields it can be constracted on concrete pillars and leave the fields under the road.
It will give the area a new look and will be one of the first projects as an example on how new roads can be constracted without the need to destroy the soil fields used by farmers.
Andrew Scicluna
Jonathan Falzon
Apr 28th 2009, 09:27
Good work Mr. Deidun. I am sure you are very qualified to discuss these issues not only because these concern your country which you love so much, but because you are a qualified scientist.
I am sure an MEP like you is needed in Europe!!!
R FERRIGGI
Apr 27th 2009, 16:57
I am from the northern part of malta and know this area VERY WELL.
i suggest to the authorities to HAVE A GOOD LOOK at ALL THE STRETCH OF ROAD from Cirkewwa to Xemxija because it is in a state of shambles.
this road is used by the MELLIEHA< ALL OF GOZO< ALL THE TOURISTS AND ALL MALTESE SUMMER VISITORS. probably 30,000 plus persons.
so,,, although in rpinciple i agree with Deidun about nature etc. the status quo IS NOT AN OPTION.
J. Borg
Apr 27th 2009, 16:34
Well said Dr. Deidun
Albeit rather than having dual EIAs we can have one by a REALLY independent and objevctive professional source.....again the long-awaited MEPA reform.
Can we have a showdown with Austin on this......maybe he will start talking sense - it will give your MEP chances a big boost among both PN and non-PN voters.
B Attard
Apr 27th 2009, 16:20
must be an election coming up