Qala development investigation concluded two days before appeal was lodged - RAM

The investigation by Mepa’s audit officer into development in Qali had been concluded two days before the appeal was lodged, the Ramblers' Association (RAM) said this evening.

In a statement expressing shock at Mepa's rebuke of its audit officer because “he should have never carried out an investigation, and more so published his report, given that this case is in front of the Appeals Board”, RAM said that an explanation was morally due.

Mepa yesterday rebuked its audit officer for carrying out an investigation and publishing a report into the permit for a development at Qala Ridge in Gozo, once the case was still before the Appeals Board.

The investigation was requested by nine environmental NGOs and the Qala council.

RAM said this evening that the objectors lodged their appeal to the Appeals Board on October 14. On October 19, RAM asked the audit office what stage had the investigation reached.

The office replied that the investigation was concluded and that the report was passed on to the chairman of Mepa for his comments on October 12.

Did the chairman expect Mr Falzon to forecast that an appeal was to be lodged, RAM asked.

The organisation asked what was Mepa playing at adding that matters confirmed a suspicious twist.

RAM said it seemed that the only reliable person within an authority whose leaders had lost all credibility was having his own credibility undermined by the same heads, past and present, and their political mentors.