Labour will go for land reclamation from the sea

Gianfrancesco Buttigieg

Jun 21st 2012, 12:13

Joseph Muscat qed jifrex is-sodda ghall-kuntratturi...

Il-ftit ambjent Malti li fadal ser jinsteraq mill-Maltin u jinghata fuq platt tal-fidda l-izvilupatturi kemm jekk jitilghu l-PN u, milli jidher, specjalment jekk jitilghu l-PL.

Sitwazzjoni tal-BIKI fejn iz-zewg partiti qed jitfghu l-interessi taghhom ferm qabel l-interess nazzjonali. Min mhux qed jaraha hekk jew ghax ma jridx jew ghax jaqbillu...

Carmel Vella

Jun 19th 2012, 04:13

Land reclamation is most definitely the way to go for Malta, starting with linking Malta and Gozo. GO FOR IT, today, tomorrow will be much more expensive.

M. Grech

Jun 18th 2012, 19:24

Dr. Muscat has not yet indicated the expected multi-uses for such an artificial island. There is also no indication yet on how such an island will be financed during its construction and later when it is finished. There is also no indication on how it will be constructed. So why are we speculating, as if we already know such answers and as if we are experts on the subject? I am no economist, engineer or environmentalist etc and definitely not a LP apologist. However, we should all wait and only judge this proposal when Dr. Muscat provides the full details. Maybe in their electoral manifesto? Who knows? We common people wait and see!

S Micallef

Jun 18th 2012, 18:26

@ Joseph Muscat - you are going to have serious problems once elected. Quit promising things you obviously can't provide.

Steve Zammit

Jun 18th 2012, 18:09

Joseph Muscat your comments and views on the environment are very worrying to me

LOUIS JOSEPH BORG

Jun 18th 2012, 17:35

Another ill fated attempt to win votes by the labour leader!
may i ask ? from where do you start to add land? it will cause problems at once!
forget that forget gay marriages forget hunters and trappers forget divorce and give me something serious and responsible if you really ever want me to vote labour! which is very unlikely!

Mark Borg

Jun 18th 2012, 17:23

What a waste of good space. The same old crap from the same old guys!

Giov DeMartino

Jun 18th 2012, 15:20

Young /new visitors to this and other comment boards may get the very wrong impression that Eddy Privitera is continually on the offensive and scoring goals for the opposition. Nothing can be further from the truth. Even though Eddy has spent the best part of his life in opposition, he is still pleased to count the chickens prematurely. Four years ago he was already celebrating a labour victory when he had to exchange his champagne with my bitter lemon. Remember Ed? Eddy is neither on the offensive nor on the defensive. He is clever enough to ignore me completely. Apart from a stupid and harmless shot every now and then. We are both old age pensioners and we can talk from experience. I can talk about labour's couldn't-be-more-evil, more-atrocious past from experience. We both lived those frightful years in hell. But while he was at Santa Rita hoping to get a new job after a labour regime sacked all casino workers, I was one of the thousands rallying behind the PN which was in bitter conflict against the forces of darkness. We were not praying for jobs, but we were praying for democracy, for peace not organized violence; for the right to obey our unions, for the right to have back our constitutional courts which had been suspended for years.....If Eddy visits this and other comment boards he'll find that he still has to answer tens of my comments which he chooses to ignore. He'll find that I always have my last word.

Alex Buds

Jun 18th 2012, 14:38

Not a huge fan of Labour, but for Malta I think land reclamation is a good idea if done in an intelligent and attractive way. The end result must be pleasing to the eye and the soul.

Joe Fenech

Jun 18th 2012, 13:40

He should build an island and settle there with his PL and PN friends.

S Muscat

Jun 18th 2012, 11:51

Ma tmorrux wasla sac-Cirkewwa u taraw il-gungla ta concrete li tiela!!! Imma biex jghaddi passigier abbord vapur kien hemm bzonn dak kollhu!!! U xi nghidu ghat-triq, kif jidher zewgt lanes dojoq b'cetral strip enormi qed issiru u jekk hu il-kaz xi hadd jghidli f'kaz ta' emergenza jew il-bus kif ser jghaddu meta ikun hemm queu sa l-ghadira?? Dan irrid jindirizza u jaghti kaz il-gvern jew Joseph Muscat mhux hmerijiet bhal dawn u kif ser issir it-tunnel bejn iz-zewg gzejjer!!!.

S Muscat

Jun 18th 2012, 11:43

Hsibtu Joseph Muscat huwa ta ideat differenti mil-gvern prezenti. Mort zmerc!!! Ma baqalniex fejn inkerhu issa infottu il-bahar imiss!!!

Anthony Arpa

Jun 18th 2012, 08:08

Ghalekk il Proverbju Malti jghid li bil flus tista taghmel triq fil Bahar hux .... hawn pajjizi holiday resorts enormi bnew fuq il Bahar.

Noel Damato

Jun 18th 2012, 06:51

Dr Joseph Muscat huwa bniedem progressiv tant li jitkellem dwar il-futur u mhux il passat u wirina li ghandu vizjoni cara ghal futur sabih ghal poplu Malti u Ghawdci kollu u mhux ghal klikka zghira li huma il fuq mill ligi u hadd ma jista ghalijhom hekk imsejha minn wiehed minnhom stess fil-parlament. Ghalhekk pajjizna ghandu bzon ta Joseph Muscat ghaliex huwa dinamiku u jiehu hsieb il-prioritatjiet tal-poplu Malti .

Paul Gauci

Jun 18th 2012, 05:38

It's incredible how some people shoot down an idea just because it was uttered by Joseph Muscat. Land reclamation is not a new concept in Malta. Just look at msida, the Freeport, gzira prOmenade, the mgarr and cirkewwa terminals, valletta waterfront and marsascala to name a few. All these places are built in full or in part on land reclaimed from the sea. I don't see why land reclamation can't be used to create artificial islets to build a golf course or a cement factory for example. Nobody would want these on his/her doorstep. Land reclamation might be a feasible solution.

Joseph A Borg

Jun 18th 2012, 00:03

solid replies from muscat though

Rene Levasseur

Jun 17th 2012, 23:44

The reclaimed land from the sea can be used in many different ways, depending on its location. It is only the limit of our imagination that stops us. For example; it can be shaped so that it magnifies the tidal effect and generate electrical tidal power, or it can be used to house wind farms for generating electricity. It can also be used as farmland, or to build tourist complexes.

Joe Azzopardi

Jun 17th 2012, 22:50

He was in Dubai lately was't he ?

Joe Tabone

Jun 17th 2012, 22:31

It seems that Dear Joseph intends to change several MEPA policies. It would be good if he could explain further.
I fully understand the environmentalists, this is very worrying!!

Pierre Fenech

Jun 17th 2012, 22:08

For me hearing someone talking about the future is already a breath of fresh air rather then hearing the same old story from the guys who only talk about the past. JM managed not only to regroup his party which was fragmented but also managed to get new people on board not necessarily from within the party so I am not surprised that we have innovative ideas flowing slowly. I am sure that we will hear more of such in the months to come. The mistake done by Gonzi PN is that they built a fortress and now they are feeling surronded but it is too late as noone will come to offer help. Who is going to offer help tothose who just left out most of the people out of their inner circles. I made my decision ....

Charles Massa

Jun 17th 2012, 19:27

Din hija d differenz bejn iz zewg leaders. Waqt li dr Gonzi hlief isemmi l passat ma jaghmilx, DR Muscat ghandu idejat godda u vizjoni ghal pajjiz. Gonzi huwa skadut u ma jafx se jaghmel. Issa anki tal partit tieghu stess jammettu li labour ghandu ikun il partit li jmexxi l Malta. Qieghdin jibatu e mails biex in nies jikkanvasjaw ghal PN ghax waqu lura. Mela l ewwel taghmel 4 snin issawwat il poplu bit taxxi u ghax gejja l elezzjoni tiprova tigbor giehek.

Joseph A Borg

Jun 17th 2012, 19:25

reclaim land to do what?!! how will it improve/efficientize the underlying fundamentals of our economy?

yet more pie in the sky!

stephen koludrovic

Jun 17th 2012, 19:21

The Msida creek reached up to beyond the Msida bocci club. it is thanks to that reclaimed land that one can enter the regional road from the Msida side.

The Gzira waterfront is another area where from a miserable narrow road, we ended up with a double two lane road plus a wide pedestrians pavement on the sea front.

The area from the point to the Ferries was another very narrow road, it is now a double two lane road, with cafes where Sliema people can enjoy their cappuccinos

The freeport is another example, built from reeclaimed land, thanks to that we even ended up getting a beach.

So in my opinion, it is not big empty blocks of buildings that is progress, but how one uses wisely the limited amount of land that we have

cesco di luigi

Jun 17th 2012, 19:15

JM better speak out and loud and clear what he means about this now that he let the cat (or at least its head) out of the bag. Is he going to allow building in valleys and fertile land on the flimsy agroturismo excuse?? Protential PL voters including myself have to know this.

George Cutajar

Jun 17th 2012, 19:00

Probably JM's trip to Dubai lately must have led him to come up with this idea.

. He must have seen the mirage that is Palm City and decided that we can have one in Malta.The only problem is what shall we build on the reclaimed land? More apartments? Another Chambray? Another Smart City or just reclaim land for the sake of reclaiming land and trying to impress the construction lobby that with Labour in Government they can feel safe in the knowledge that they will be able to reclaim land?

Once again Labour has come up with an idea which it calls a policy but has no idea how and why it should implement..

Michael Gatt

Jun 17th 2012, 18:39

Meta jitkellem Dr.Muscat thoss l-onesta fi kliemu precis kontra meta jitkellmu ta Gonzi PN ghax hlief tawwig tal fatti ma johrogx min fommhom. Bir ragun li GonziPN tilfu kull kredenzjalita

A. Mallia

Jun 17th 2012, 18:17

From most of the comments I have read so far I can see why Malta is still so far behind... Just because it was a political party who suggested the idea of land reclamation people are already linking it to 70's 80's, flats, barons and other stupid stuff.

Take a step back and go look at the Maltese waste composition and you will realize that more than half of it is construction waste. Land reclamation is just a method of waste disposal. To all the people criticizing it already, what do you prefer, a new span of land that can be used, or another mountain Maghtab? Yes it does have its disadvantages, but they are only ecological ones. At least criticize the idea from this perspective if you want to criticize just because it was PL who suggested it!

T.F. Busuttil

Jun 17th 2012, 18:12

Meta jkollok blogg li tattira 155 persuna fi ftit sieghat li tkellem Joseph Muscat. Something is good f'dak li qall ghax kieku kullhadd kien jinjorah.

Manuel Camilleri

Jun 17th 2012, 17:52

"the days of political parties are over". Interesting why Muscat fails to mention "labour", "new labour" etc. and it is also interesting why everyone around him (including Super One) are using blue more than red. What next, a "New Blue movement"? Should read Lino Spiteri's piece in another part of this newspaper.

Edmond Micallef

Jun 17th 2012, 17:44

After reading this article and the PM's hysterical accusation made today on his party's radio, one wonders whether there's a common strategy of attack aimed at the PL and Joseph Muscat in particular between the PN and ''friends'.

Anthony Grech

Jun 17th 2012, 17:33

Well done Dr. Muscat. Malta needs reclamation of land and not just making the Maghtab mountains higher and higher, with sometimes three, sometimes four etc mountains. That is not reclamation it is just playing with bulldozers and rocks.
But well done most of all for setting the ball rolling for this outdated Gonzipn.

Joe Tabone

Jun 17th 2012, 17:22

Quote from today's interview with Dear Joseph - "....i'm being very clear with environmentalists. I'm telling them there will be times when tough decisions will be taken, where we need to draw the line....................i talk about the need for agritourism projects, which are hosted in fields, and of course involve construction."

SO PL WILL TURN OUR ISLANDS INTO A COUNSTRUCTION JUNGLE UNDER THE PRETEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - 'PROJECTS HOSTED IN FIELDS'

How's that for PL's GREEN credentials?!?

Mark Cassar

Jun 17th 2012, 17:18

With MEPA the environment has gone to the dogs. Without it (hence direct political involvement by people who have absolutely no qualifications in the subject) would spell utter and total disaster. Think again Dr Muscat.

mark borg

Jun 17th 2012, 17:09

Prosit Dr. Muscat -xi haga li tinkwieta lil maggoranza kbira ta maltin, huma l-eluf ta immigranti jizdiedu kuljum go malta u bdan il gvern passiv li halla din il problema teskala brittmu enormi....ahna fiducjuzi li int tehles u tikontrolla din il problema kbira li il pn/gonzipn fena lil pajjizna.

mark borg

Jun 17th 2012, 17:06

Prosit Dr. Muscat

Rene Levasseur

Jun 17th 2012, 16:57

I find the concept the PL leader expressed of a social movement very refreshing. I agree that Maltese society wants a party that acts within a movement and not a political party with prescribed dogmas. The PL leader said it was difficult to introduce this concept within the PL and it’s going to be more difficult to introduce it as a country. I would like to go one step further and propose to the PL leader that when in government, they also bring into the government talent from the PN, based on intellectual merit and without prejudice to party affiliation. This will send a clear message to the people that the PL wants to govern as a social movement, not as a political party.

Joe Fenech

Jun 17th 2012, 16:57

Is Muscat going to reclaim the vast stretches of land (mostly fertile) given by a 70s/80s Labour thug minister to his people? Many illiterate people in the south have become multi-millionaires thanks to the 'grants' handed out by this beloved saint.

Without this, PL will never be more credible than the lousy PN.

cesco di luigi

Jun 17th 2012, 16:54

though I am not a PN supporter I see this attempt by JM to appeal to the land grabbers as very dangerous mistake. They have destroyed most and now they want to keep destroying more. Beware.JM it'snot only those few mega rich barons who have votes!!!

Joe Fenech

Jun 17th 2012, 16:49

“I strongly believe in the concept of a movement. The days of political parties are over.”


You are right. People should be voting for a president who will then choose experts for his cabinet. Time to get rid of these mediocres.

Peter Bowring

Jun 17th 2012, 16:45

Why not take back the land which has been developed with the approx 70,000 unwanted apartments and make the island more appealing to visitors. Almost all of the visitors I speak to say over development has destroyed the island. Maybe we should be looking at better use of the land we have onshore not offshore.

Steve Zammit

Jun 17th 2012, 16:45

Why reclaim land? to build more??? what a crazy idea

get your priorities right PL

Joe Fenech

Jun 17th 2012, 16:27

Is Muscat going to take back the vast stretches of land given by a 70s/80s Labour thug minister to his people? Many illiterate people in the south have become multi-millionaire thanks to the 'grants' give but this beloved saint.

Without this, PL will never be more credible than the lousy PN.

m. borg (slm)

Jun 17th 2012, 16:24

Land reclamation:

Sliema Strand and the Free Port, does gonzi criticise these?

Noel Abela

Jun 17th 2012, 16:11

All those of you who are try to ridicule this idea just because it is coming from the PL's side are conveniently forgetting that years ago GonziPn came up with such an idea too, BUT AS USUAL NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT IT. So please know your facts before commenting so pathetically on this blog.

Liza Zarb

Jun 17th 2012, 16:06

Kif dejjem l-stess il-bloggers tal -pn, hekk kif il-partit laburista jigi b'ideat godda allura mill-ewwel ighidulna bla sens. Mentri jekk il-partit laburista izomm halqu maghluq x se jaghmel ighidulna li partit laburista huwa bla ideat. Vera tal-Pn nies oqbra imbajjda . Ma jistghux jaccettaw li Dr Joseph Muscat gab lil Partit Laburista, Partit modern, progressiv u b'vizjoni li taghti nifs li socjeta Maltija.

m. borg (slm)

Jun 17th 2012, 16:06

....and there are a couple of interesting projects to be announced.

M Grima

Jun 17th 2012, 16:00

I feel so out of tune among all these expert PN bloggers having to comment about land reclamation. Just because their beloved GonziPN did not do it, land reclamation is expensive, it a farce, it devastates the environment and all the nasty adjectives picked out of an Oxford dictionary. Well, if Hongkong, Holland, Mexico, and a dozen other nations have done it why can't we?

Maybe these bloggers prefer to have a Mount Maghatab which incidentally has a twin brother just next to it, when Mr. George Pullicino promised us that in a couple of years time this area will be transformed into a park. Thank you, I don't think my idea of enjoyment is taking my kids to a toxic park. Maybe they also prefer the stink coming out of the Marsa incinerator where it has been said that they burn disease infected carcasses. Or else they prefer the stink coming from the Waste Disposal centre at Marsascala?

Peppi Borg

Jun 17th 2012, 15:51

A truly politician with a vision. Joseph Muscat created a movement which is ready to take much needed decisions. Today the Labour Party is focused on the people's needs and is a much desired alternative for the present weak administration.

Lucienne Dimech

Jun 17th 2012, 15:30

If this idea is feasible then let's go for it as an island we certainly have more sea than land sea reclamation will grow us we need more space Malta s one of the most densly populated nations in the world and it s becoming impossible to find anywhere that gives you peace or privacy from neighbours

Angelo Vassallo

Jun 17th 2012, 15:08

@ David Bezzina

I could not read any mention from where "dear leader" joseph muscat will be financing the "grab from the sea" project.

But if the money, (as you are saying and mark what you have written dear David Bezzina), is coming from the same place where the money for the bridge between Malta and Gozo will come from, than the money will be coming from the EUROPEAN UNION, to be exact from the STRUCTURAL AND COHESION FUNDS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION.

Are you and your partit lejburista still against the EU? Are we still MAKKU?

Angus Black

Jun 17th 2012, 14:55

"...sensible projects cannot be weighed down by bureaucracy...", Dr Muscat said.

So, in order top cut down on bureaucracy, will he forget about environmental assessments? Does he regard these as 'inconvenient bureaucracy'? Where are these sites which he plans to reclaim from the sea? Will there be an underwater survey in case there are historical structures such as those discovered some three years ago off Bahar ic-Caghak? Where will he find enough suitable material, environmentally acceptable, to create artificial reclaimed land? If the Labour Party leader often points at thousands of unused properties throughout the island, why would he make this suggestion? How would this encourage the rehabilitation of unused properties?

Wilfred Camilleri

Jun 17th 2012, 14:53

Is this man for real? Yet another meaningless promise that will be broken if he is elected. Pie in the sky rubbish!

Victor Rodenas

Jun 17th 2012, 14:49

70 yrs. ago, Gzira gardens and Msida playing field were made from reclaimed land.Ask old timers.

E. Azzopardi

Jun 17th 2012, 14:15

We have so much construction waste and with good, repeat, good management and planning ( which we are not very famous for) we can reclaim land. Do not shoot this down as the idea is excellent, although we have spoken about this before and therefore this is not an original idea.. Yes, there are stretches where the sea is not deep. If this is good for the country, then let it be. There are places in Malta where this has happened with success. Freeport, the Strand in Sliema ( where so many cars are parking today!!! More should have been done in this respect.

Malcolm Farrugia

Jun 17th 2012, 14:11

Joseph Muscat ability to adapt to the current times is a gift from heaven. He is not the leader odf a political party, but the leader of a political movement, having the citizens on the forefront of this coalition. While GonziPanic is trying hard not to crumble down from within, Partit Laburista is creating a political roadmap based on public consultation and social interest for both workers and employers alike.

Mary Ann Borg

Jun 17th 2012, 14:03

Kemm hu bravu l-boy eh. He promises land speculators heaven on earth, gets under attack by the enviornmentalists and now tries to wriggle his way out of his own quandry by floating the idea of land reclamation. Of course, land reclamation is a good idea and Malta does need more land reclamation. But hang on, Smart City is a huge project and no land reclamation was required, making it less expensive to build. So where's the beef, dear Joseph?

A Dimech

Jun 17th 2012, 14:00

Land reclamation in Malta could be a really good idea to generate wealth -
It could make Malta become a truely developed country with spaces for industry and business to prosper.

It is obvious though that many will not even consider this, because PL is proposing it.

Of course there needs to be more detail study of this... but that is the case of with everything

Charles Vella

Jun 17th 2012, 13:59

No thanks Joseph. Nothing prosperous as usual. A big BOQQ!

Mr Joseph Scicluna

Jun 17th 2012, 13:50

Prosit Joseph Muscat. This should have been done since time immemorial and projects like the Portomaso yacht marina where in order to biuld a marina land was cut off should be discouraged fined and made illegal.

M. Grech

Jun 17th 2012, 13:27

Dr. Muscat has not yet indicated the expected multi-uses for such an artificial island. There is also no indication yet on how such an island will be financed during its construction and later when it is finished. There is also no indication on how it will be constructed. So why are we speculating, as if we already know such answers and as if we are experts on the subject? I am no economist, engineer or environmentalist etc and definitely not a LP apologist. However, we should all wait and only judge this proposal when Dr. Muscat provides the full details. Maybe in their electoral manifesto? Who knows? We common people wait and see!

Joseph Cauchi Senior

Jun 17th 2012, 13:18

Hearing Joseph Muscat speaking on Agri-Tourism gives one some rays of hope as this is one type of niche market that we have to exploit in order to make our Tourism industry the motor of our economy.

Isn’t it time by now that MEPA starts considering ODZ areas for this type of tourism?

Dr. Mario DeMarco, I know that you are in favour of such niche tourism; then why don’t you ask your government to wake up and start to literally smell the coffee!

Agri-Tourism is a flourishing concept and Malta is ideal for such a niche market!

JC.

I Bugeja

Jun 17th 2012, 13:15

I do try to understand the visions of both political parties but i think I am missing something here. On one side I get messages from Labour that the current government is spending too much and on the others side we are looking at land reclamation or building entire islands. The questions which I pose are:

1. Why? Is there an immediate need for this?
2. Since we are a debt laden nation, isn't this going to increase debt for no apparent reason?

Joe Fenech

Jun 17th 2012, 13:12

What about the Tuna and fish farms? they benefit NO ONE except the owners.

Joe Fenech

Jun 17th 2012, 13:08

The days of the political parties are over?

To sort that out it's very simple:

Vote for a president who will then form a cabinet made up of experts!

Joe Fenech

Jun 17th 2012, 13:06

Will it get back public land handed out to individuals stolen by an ex 70s/80s Labour Minister alias thug (candidate in the south) handed out to his friends mainly from Paola, Luqa, Santa Lucija, Tarxien? Many illiterates have become multi-millionaires thanks to him.

No surprise that Sant Lorenzu is still a popular figure in Malta - he has bestowed so many indulgences to his worshipers!

A J Rose

Jun 17th 2012, 12:42

Isn't this guy satisfied with three beautiful little Islands.?....by the way, one of them is only being enjoyed by the rabbits and birds.. sorry forgot to include St. Pauls Islands!

Has he found oil already and is keeping secret ???

Don't forget you have to subsidize those utlity bills first...... that you keep harping on and promise to reduce.
Get real!!

Alfred Grech

Jun 17th 2012, 12:34

I've been reading about the land reclamation for not less than 15 years. Once it was approved but nothing has happened. In the meantime, we have about a million tons of rubble being dumped and wasted in quarries.

Doris Farrugia

Jun 17th 2012, 12:31

A big part of the malta freeport is all land reclamation.I remember the site when it was still under the british forces.Looking at it now,it is so different and the land reclamation was massive.

Joe Tabone

Jun 17th 2012, 12:22

As Dear Joseph quoted, the 2010 study shows that land reclaimation is not viable as the sea is too deep. What is he suggesting? Finding shallower zones? Will he consult MEPA's Environment Directorate?
Will he carry out an EIA (since impact assessments seem to be his new buzz word)?
When he speaks about his promises to contractors he always sustainability..............what sustainability? Financial before Environmental??

Speak clearly, what are your proposals? Is this another environmental RED light from PL?

Neville Sammut

Jun 17th 2012, 12:18

He wants to do Land reclamation when a large percentage of property in Malta is vacant. He really have no idea what he is doing. Apart from not having any proposals he comes out with a stupid ones like this.

If he wants to know what a good proposal is why don't he check what Prime minister Gonzi is doing like the housing rental scheme. (http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120322/local/High-interest-shown-in-housing-rental-scheme.412185)

lilly vella

Jun 17th 2012, 12:15

spicca d dubju dwar kemm illum il partit laburista hux preparat jew le biex imexxi . il visjoni ghal pajjizna ,li ghandu joseph muscat , zgur illum , tpoggi quddiem l elettorat ghazla cara u wahda , li jghazel dan il moviment li ma jibzax jiehu d decizjonijiet ghax jirfes xi kallu ta deputat . ghazla bejn , partit li kkankra pajjiz u mexxej li jpoggi lilek u l familja tieghek fuq quddiem nett .

Tonio Micallef

Jun 17th 2012, 12:03

Today's young generation want to hear about the future not GonziPN 30-year old stories which carr no relevance at all to today's crcumstances. Joseph Muscat's interview today shows really that he is the man for the future generation. In a span of just 4 years he managed not only to unite his party, something which surely is today the envy of the PN, but also the build around his party an inclusive movement which is gathering people from all walks of live and different political allegiances. The new Labour Party as led by Joseph Muscat deserves to be leading this country in these difficult times because the leadership of the party in governmnt at the moment is in disarry with open conflicts from within and alienated in trying to keep in power at all costs.

Kleaven Maniscalco

Jun 17th 2012, 11:50

Oh tell me why.....do we build castles in the sky....oh tell me why
This is going to be the next PL election song.

John Borg

Jun 17th 2012, 11:46

Notable examples of land reclamation. Netherlands, Mexico City, Helsinki ................. and much much more
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_reclamation
According to the "Experts" here below ------- Land reclamation in Malta cannot be done

James Dimech

Jun 17th 2012, 11:39

This is actually more ridiculous than GonziPN's tunnel with Gozo idea.

Muscat is a farce.

2012 is the official year of rubbish politicians in Malta

A. Mifsud

Jun 17th 2012, 11:31

Without any doubt Palm Islands in Dubai left their mark so much on Joseph Muscat, that he is now inspired to replicate these in Malta. Fine till now. The question is who will foot the exorbitant costs to achieve these and how will the reclaimed land be utilized, more building blocks perhaps?

It will have to otherwise it won't be viable. And who will benefit of this, the developers - (subsidized through our taxes to kickstart the projects)?

I'm sorry but this proposal severely lacks substance and fails to address problems that PL is claiming that are crippling this country.

Next one Joe, please!

Tonio Bone

Jun 17th 2012, 11:30

Dr Muscat is now giving us the 'visionary' side of his perspective for which I will give him the benefit of the doubt, even though some 'doubt' remains.
I would suggest to our administrators, whoever this may be, to concentrate their vision on more practical issues and not dwell on 'dream scenarios' like a bridge to Gozo or artificial islands!
How about getting our roads ALL in order for a change! How about concentrating on a serious policy of alternative energy! How about making this island No.1 in many issues within the EU: social services, unemployment, environment, tax, pensions, standard of living, eradication of corruption, accountability ecc, ecc!
It's all good Dr Muscat. I personally like a person with vision and thinking outside the box. But you see, the box has a lot of bits and pieces than need mending so in the eventuality that you sit at the controls one day, please make sure to start with the mending and then, if we afford it, carry out your visions!

Emmanuel Mazzitelli

Jun 17th 2012, 11:27

I am amazed by the amount of blinkered people posting their comments. Same usual people, same stupid remarks!

Joseph Ellul

Jun 17th 2012, 11:27

I think Mr Joseph Muscat wants to clean up Malta in a real sense. He sees Malta from a plane every time he flies in and out of his homeland. He sees that big mountian of garbage that was started by Dom Mintoff and continued under the PN. He sees this as an open sore on Malta's face and wants to get rid of it. I do have faith on such a plan to reclaim some areas near St Paul's Bay by using the mountian of stuff. These new areas can be used as green areas with parking and walkways. There are many ways to make it profitable with serviced areas and gardeners, etc to keep these places in good shape and secure. On the other hand it will be near impossible to clean up politics and only if most Maltese get a lobotomy.

Alison Grech

Jun 17th 2012, 11:19

I'd love to know why he wants land to be reclaimed. What would it be used for? Surely not for building! Ah politicians - vague as always!

Jo Camm

Jun 17th 2012, 11:16

If ever PL and Joseph are in power and he tries to do what he is saying I am sure that, if the present environmentalists are in still existance, they will surely cry foul as such thing will destroy the breeding place for small fish and sea urchins. Wish him luck.

A Dimech

Jun 17th 2012, 11:14

we have already done a lot of Land reclamation on Malta.

You look at Marsascala - the main road was build by Labour by reclaiming from teh sea.

You look at Marsaxlokk - again the same happened.

You look at the freeport - huge areas reclaimed from the sea.

I believe option for Malta to expan its footprint, create wealth and progress.

George Cutajar LL.D

Jun 17th 2012, 11:03

Notwithstanding that JM was given an opportunity to come forward with proposal he has, once more, passed it on. No new policies, no new ideas but simple pandering to one and all. We need to know what Labour will do to put down the water and electricity tariffs , how it intends to create jobs, how will it put in place the promise concerning youth employment, how it will handle education and health care, what is in store for the Justice and Home Affairs departments, how it intends to appease environmental ngo's and the construction lobby. Being in opposition is so easy - all you need to do is gauge the people's discontent and promise , promise and promise. The problems and headaches arise when you are asked to dleiver.

JM seems to be looking up to his socialist counterpart in France about austerity and job creation but it seems that with Hollande at the wheel France is heading down towards the road already embarked upon by Italy, Portugal, Spain and the rest of the Eurozone countries with problems. We will now wait for the outcome of the Greek elections with the maverick 36 year old wannabe PM looking set to ride the wave of discontent and further seal Greece's disaster. Both in France and in Greece the left did not present any policies and the situation in Malta is very similar.

At least we are blessed with the situation that as a country we will have the opportunity to see how France and Greece will be faring under a leftist government and we can than decide whether to take the risk.

Joseph Brincat

Jun 17th 2012, 11:01

BRILLIANT IDEA !!
MALTA IS A SMALL ISLAND SO WE NEED TO START
RECLAIMING LAND FORM THE SEA !!

http://www.airpano.com/360Degree-VirtualTour.php?3D=Dubai-Palm-Jumeirah-UAE

V. Cauchi

Jun 17th 2012, 10:59

Never Never Land.

Wiki says about it "Although not all people in Neverland cease to age, its best known resident famously refused to grow up, and it is often used as a metaphor for eternal childhood (and childishness), immortality, and escapism."

Doris Farrugia

Jun 17th 2012, 10:59

The biggest part of the Malta Freeport is all land reclamation.I remember the site when it still made part of the british forces,and now it is extremely different.

Alfred Dimech

Jun 17th 2012, 10:58

What problem would land reclamation solve? It's true that Malta is overpopulated, but with all the empty properties, lack of housing won't be an issue for a very long time. The only benefit of such a project would be the creation of jobs for a short time. Perhaps I'm missing something.

As regards his "the days of political parties are over", I don't know what point he's trying to make with this, but I would be overjoyed if at some point in the future we could vote for somebody apart from the usual PNPL drudge.

David Gauci

Jun 17th 2012, 10:55

Can we have more information, such as the sites and land extended from where to where.The area covered and what goes or will be developed on it.Do not tell me we reclaim land to have a football pitch or yacht marina.

Lucienne Spiteri

Jun 17th 2012, 10:53

Muscat and his castles in the sky. Muscat and the old Lejber guard...Karmenu Vella, Joe Grima, Leo Brincat, Joe Debono Grech, Marie Louise Coleiro, Helena Miss Malta, Varist Bartolo etc etc. Muscat speaks and promises but he doesn't know what to do once he's elected. The end justifies the means.

Maria Zammit

Jun 17th 2012, 10:51

Ahh yes... he'll join Malta to Gozo without the need for a bridge!

Neville Sammut

Jun 17th 2012, 10:50

“I strongly believe in the concept of a movement. The days of political parties are over.”

Yes indeed. The days of the PL are over. Opposition is your place.

Ridiculous proposals from a man with no vision.

Gustav Svensson

Jun 17th 2012, 10:49

Why not just build decent roads.

Paul Micallef

Jun 17th 2012, 10:44

Another great idea. Japan, does it, Saudi Arabia does i,t so what is the problem??? The problem is that all PN BLOGERS are SCARED that they will lose there GRAVY????? As for land grab the PN has done it to in the past, but they all have SHORT TERM MEMORY,,, at least we do not give land away for free,,,,,,,,,
We need more land as we are for the people and we will be a social goverment, and give to the needy,,, not like the PN THEY ONLY GIVE TO dawk li huma TESSERATI, just go to PEMPROKE. As for land grab,,,, the PN( they promise everything) should have given those people COMPENSATION, but NO first we get them on board, steal there vote,s and then maybe give them something,,, LIKE TAQALI,,,,, Eh not to forget maybe there is someone that can answer my question???? KIF HA JORHOS ID-DAWL U ILMA??? Mela under PL its impossible u under PN KOLLOX POSSIBBLI UUUUUZZZZZZZZZZZGGGURRRRRRRRRRRR BASTA QABEL l-lelection.

j brincat

Jun 17th 2012, 10:44

"In a wide-ranging interview, Dr Muscat responds to questions about his relationship with contractors and denies claims he has been making wild promises to everyone"

If I remember correctly wild promises were made by GonziPN in the last election. He promised everyone and everything but delivered very little. What he did not tell us is that after the election he would be pocketing some extra €500 WEEKLY. It was a promise he must have made and kept to himself.

Dr Muscat is a fresh breath of air to this country which is in dire need of a change!


(jb)

stephen koludrovic

Jun 17th 2012, 10:42

Why not? it makes sense.

One spot could be opposite the Ghallis Tower, The sea towards the old radar beacon is quite shallow, and a nice beach could even be created.

John Schembri

Jun 17th 2012, 10:40

If Joseph Muscat is in favour of land reclamation it doesn’t follow that the PN is against it.

I for one am in favour of such idea , MEPA is not.

Angelo Vassallo

Jun 17th 2012, 10:40

"dear leader" joseph muscat do you really believe that this suggestion is a brand new? Of course not. Nothing that you say is new.

A 2010 study into two potential sites had concluded the sea was too deep, and the cost of building artificial islands would be high and not economically viable.

A million € question - Can you tell us from where you are going to bring the money from and how you are you going make this "grab from the sea" economically viable? lejburisti Science fiction, nothing else.

Richard Caruana

Jun 17th 2012, 10:39

What a brilliant idea, ecologists are going to love this.

And with a complete disregard to the planning authorities' recommendations.

Shades of things to come? Override anything and anyone, the end justifies the means?

Joseph Mifsud

Jun 17th 2012, 10:35

Monaco also had this idea but stopped 'reclaiming' land from the sea. There must be some land speculators who doesn't know what to do with there big surplus money that are telling Dr. Muscat what to do. Can't politicians wean themselves from business men ?

Paul Caruana

Jun 17th 2012, 10:34

For what purposes will the land be reclaimed ? Not for the building of yet more apartment blocks I hope....as it is, we have enough of them lying vacant!

On the other hand, if this reclaimed land will be used to give us more public open spaces, then I am all for it.

Paul Cassar

Jun 17th 2012, 10:31

WITHOUT LAND RECLAMATION MALTA WOULD BE WITHOUT ONE OF ITS PRICED ASSETS....................THE

FREE PORT OF MINTOFF DAYS..........................SINCE THEN WE HAVE BUILT MOUNT MAGHTAB AND ARE

POLLUTING THE LOWER LAYERS IN TENS OF PLACES.

Malcolm Mizzi

Jun 17th 2012, 10:26

land reclamation? what about better planning in how to use the little land we have..

Claudio Cilia

Jun 17th 2012, 10:26

“I strongly believe in the concept of a movement. The days of political parties are over.”
THANK GOD! I hate this parties system...

and also .. I think its better if we save some money now rather than more spending , don't you think?

V. Cauchi

Jun 17th 2012, 10:20

This land grab business looks much like the 80m. euro city entrance myth and proposing it may cost the LP an election unless perhaps it is only a few hundred rubbish-dump square metres which are being proposed in grandiloquent terms (remember Switzerland in the Mediterranean).

Besides the budget-crunch coming down on us from Europe, and the two-speed EU which seems to be gathering momentum right now, something both parties should mind to will be the rising seas by as much as one metre in a few decades time. This could well merit specific planning in its own right, starting from now, on the mapping of new areas and roads unless, as inherent in our genes, we put off the whole matter to a future time of crisis management.

Land is still available in Malta but mismanaged owing to conflicting landscaping and environmental interests and the division of property. An aerial view of rural Malta demonstrates the motley parcelled agricultural land areas which would have not been so divided had these been legally (inheritance issues) and agriculturally well managed by a central authority.

I think what any party should be proposing are legal reforms which would create shareholding rights in an appositely set up state-managed property market aiming at a solution to the division of urban and rural property which is causing such backwardness in local land management.

Joseph Cauchi Senior

Jun 17th 2012, 10:20

Malta needs to reclaim land, as this resource is definitely limited!

We need to reclaim land in order to find space where we can re-locate most of our industries and dairy-farms.

We should start with the concept of C E N T R A L I Z A T I O N .

Malta should eliminate, once and for all, all those industries and dairy-farms that inconvenience all those residential areas and be relocated away from habitations.

On this point, I tend to agree with Joseph Muscat, if only these industries and dairy-farms can be relocated!

Go for it!

JC

Bertrand Gove

Jun 17th 2012, 10:18

He's just been to Dubai. It will wear off soon. If he goes to the Alps, he'll propose a skiing resort. If he goes to Orlando, he'll propose a theme park. Send him off to Scotland, and he'll wand the Highlands.

Get real. Anyone who has flown over Malta in a plane knows full well how much land is still available, and I mean a lot is still unbuilt. The Palm City idea is insane to say the least and tampers with the archipelago geographically.

Mario Tabone

Jun 17th 2012, 10:18

Dear Lord,
Please save us from this lunacy !!!
AMEN

Mark Shaw

Jun 17th 2012, 10:17

Ok, 2 points 1: where will the money come from for land reclamation and ho will it be used? 2: I qoute “I strongly believe in the concept of a movement. The days of political parties are over.” do i take this as if/when Lbour enter Gov't they will abolish all other political parties and Malta will become a 1 party state?? sounds akin to a Dictatorship to me!! Maybe all "New" Labour is is a an old bully in a "NEW" suit!! I'd love for Mr Muscat to answer these questions esp point no.2!!
Regards
M. Shaw

Charles Cremona

Jun 17th 2012, 10:11

Muscat is living in La, LA land, were is he getting the billions from to reclaim land ? We have enough debt as it is, that is what they did in Dubai and they ended up bankrupt, We have 70 thousand empty properties in Malta, he should sort that out by slapping a property tax on all vacant properties, we don't need any more new builds here, there is more than enough for many years to come because if we are not careful we will end up like Spain and the others, Bankrupt !

J. Debono

Jun 17th 2012, 10:05

Incredible!!!!!

Dr. Joseph Muscat's solution to the world's (and for the past 6 months our) recession is.......

drum roll.............

land reclamation!!!!

Is he actually serious? Hope he's joking, but then again it is June not the beginning of April.

Giov DeMartino

Jun 17th 2012, 10:01

"Labour will go for land grab" That is exactly what labour did in the past when land/flats/houses were grabbed from their rightful owners to be given to red eyed boys.

Jay Oatmon

Jun 17th 2012, 09:36

We need more land because big developers will make money and those who sanction the schemes will no doubt be rewarded of their approvals one way or another.

C Falzon

Jun 17th 2012, 09:13

Why do we need more land, to build more blocks of flats that will remain vacant forever?