The Labour Party said today that the reform of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), announced by the Prime Minister earlier today, was not courageous enough.

The party, however, appeared to agree with the decision to transfer policy-making decisions away from the Authority, saying it was the PL which first made this proposal, and it was criticized for it by the PN.

"Still, one hopes that Lawrence Gonzi will not consider making MEPA an extension of his office, and will instead involve experts, and not politicians," party spokesman Roderick Galdes said.

He said the reform did not place enough emphasis on transparency and accountability.

The reform document was vague on the composition of the Development Control Boards, and it was important that the issues of conflict of interest were resolved, Mr Galdes said.

The reform appeared to be excessively focused on the planning aspect, without enough attention being given to environmental issues.

Mr Galdes welcomed plans to strengthen law enforcement and said it was also good that applicants for development permits were being given a definite period within which they were to be given an answer for their application. But similar promises were made in the past and not kept.

It was also good that the appeals board would take on a judicial function through the creation of a tribunal.

Mr Galdes said it was not clear how the NGOs' representative on the MEPA board would be nominated, and who he/she would report to.

See also

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090709/local/policy-making-role-to-be-transferred-away-from-mepa