Reclaimed land ‘won’t do’
Existing space should be used
Environmentalists and developers are concerned about the impact land reclamation would have on Malta’s coastline. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi
Reclamation would be a “fake” solution to the problems resulting from bad management of existing land, according to environmental organisation Friends of the Earth.
“There is no justification for it to take place before existing land is planned efficiently.
“It’s a fake solution about doing something because you did not manage to control something else,” said Martin Galea De Giovanni, who chairs the NGO.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said a new Labour government would look into land reclamation. He was discussing construction, which had to be sustainable and respect the environment.
Mr Galea De Giovanni said the situation had not changed since 2005 when Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi spoke about exploring the option, as there was still a lot of vacant property.
The proposal was shot down by two reports commissioned by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. The first, released in 2005, aimed to find suitable areas for land reclamation and identified two potential spots: Qalet Marku and Xgħajra.
Other areas were either too deep or ecologically sensitive, among other factors.
The second study, issued in 2007, found that it was not viable to build artificial land using construction debris.
Marine biologist and environmentalist Alan Deidun said nothing had changed since then. There were no new technologies or changes in the landscape that might discredit the reports’ conclusions.
Dr Deidun said he had “huge misgivings” about land reclamation that would have “huge repercussions” on the marine environment.
In past debates on land reclamation, some argued that it could provide an efficient way to use construction waste. But Dr Deidun pointed out that Malta did not produce enough construction waste to reclaim the land.
Mr Galea De Giovanni added that the process was an unsustainable way of getting rid of construction waste.
Stone, a valuable resource, should be re-used, not dumped into a landfill or a reclaimed site.
One had to keep in mind the impact on the coast and the repercussions on the marine environment, he said.
Malta Developers’ Association president Michael Falzon was also concerned about the coast.
“One has to be very careful where to do it. We have to protect our coastline.”
What was sure was that if the government decided to reclaim land, it would be for some form of development, he said. If the project was aimed at tourism, for example, it might be feasible.
An economist said that, at face value, he believed a project had to be identified before talking about land reclamation.
For a project to be worth it, there would have to be a very high value added project, he said.
“The starting point must be the project and not creating land.
“Once that’s established one must look into whether it’s best done on existing land and the impact on the environment,” said the economist, who preferred not to be named as he first wanted to study the issue in more depth.
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George Grech
Jun 22nd 2012, 13:08
Dear Mr. Deidun,
I respect your line of thought, but with your logic we would still have the single dock pre 1970. I imagine you are aware that the present Mgarr harbour is all on reclaimed land.
As a parent I want my children to work and live on Gozo. I am not in favour of mass land reclamation, but if there is a project that would be beneficial to the general population, I would not shoot it down as a possibility.
If an airport is needed, what would you prefer? One on land or one on sea? That is, keeping in mind Gozo’s size.
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jun 22nd 2012, 11:04
Adding to my earlier comments . these 'just' off-shore road connected to mainland artificial islands and hence the coastline will be untouched, could accomodate especially the 'bothersome' Wind Farms , along with Agricultural as well as Fish Farms .
With perimiter 'dykes' naturally at the safe height to withstand stormy seas , the enclosed areas would/could remain below sea level . I
Jesmond Farrugia
Jun 22nd 2012, 10:40
Indeed. As part of a broad based holistic solution, adding a square kilometre or two (of economically useable reclaimed land) at Qallis or it's environs, could well make sense.
Edward Curmi
Jun 22nd 2012, 10:12
Prosit PL yet another stupid suggestion!!!!
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jun 22nd 2012, 02:58
Say it to the DUTCH !
C Sant
Jun 21st 2012, 23:14
The major problem with JM's reasoning is not the idea of reclamation, but the fact that he has asaid that he shall not take any notice of MEPA and its reports!!!
This is the major issue - basically he is promising developers that the last word shall be his and not MEPA - back to the 80's - no wonder with all the dinosaurs that he has sourounded himself with.
Kleaven Maniscalco
Jun 21st 2012, 21:01
Just a pre-election gimmick....and it shows.....probably it was thought of last week.
George Grech
Jun 21st 2012, 20:59
I agree with the proposal of land reclamation for certain projects, for example, reclaiming land on the outer side of the Gozo Mgarr harbour breakwater. Enough land can be reclaimed to make a quay for cruise-liners and this can be used as a runway for airplanes. The terminal is there and it can be used for this as well. I would prefer to do this at sea than to waste precious land. I also believe the pros would outweigh the cons. Gozo needs a good shot in the arm like this to kick-start our dormant economy and stop our present brain-drain. We have to think about Gozo as an all-year-round destination, not just for three months of the year.
I also agree that the present waste management system is causing more harm than good in some areas. Case in point, the fields being filled with excavation and construction waste in the vicinity of the dead Gozo heliport. It is disgraceful. And for this reason that I agree with Joe Muscat. At least he’s open to ideas.
Alan Deidun
Jun 22nd 2012, 09:47
yeah right George - this would mean dumping construction debris on top of seagrass meadows which proliferate within the area you have indicated - such meadows are the mainstay of Medn marine biodiversity - leave such decisions to technical considerations and not to the populin
m. borg (slm)
Jun 21st 2012, 20:10
Why FOTE have come out strongly against reclamation is a surprise when first of all no projects have been proposed yet and their environmental and feasibility studies haven't been done.
Isn't this premature of FOTE.
Martin Galea De Giovanni
Jun 22nd 2012, 08:54
Perhaps you chose to speak about this topic now. But you should look deeper into the matter before commenting (and actually read the whole article because it seems like you didn't). Reports have been done, and apparently they even convinced the current PM that land reclamation is not such a wise idea.
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jun 22nd 2012, 14:52
@ Martin Galea DeGiovanni - Seems you have forgotten or you are not at all aware that the PM had openly stated that he has a lack of talent i.e, capable advisers around him !
ANTHONY PAVIA
Jun 21st 2012, 20:02
How come Singapore, possessing a larger land area than us, have aggressively followed this land reclamation route. Although they started later than us on their financial and economical development, they have reached highs that we only dream of in our wildest dreams. Eh, OK OK; let's blame it on our south Mediterranean characteristics.
D Gatt
Jun 22nd 2012, 08:58
Sir,
Comparing Singapore to Malta is like comparing diamonds to coal.
Wenzu Vella
Jun 22nd 2012, 09:40
Anthony, Singapore is roughly twice the size of Malta 660 Sq kilometres (255 Sq miles) Population 4.8 million. Regarded as an advanced and wealthy country. Just after the WWII there was hardly any infrastructure to talk about. Malta has thousands of years of history and still one of the poorest little countries of Europe. The reason BAD MANAGEMENT.
Paul Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 19:22
Surely these NGOs spokesmen shoot a lot of words in the air, but seldom any wisdom comes out. I wonder if Mr De Giovanni has had the pleasure of watching the documentary of how Palm City in Dubai was reclaimed. Oh yes from sand and material dredged from the sea. I guess the Maghatab landfill project is more of his thing . Huh !
John Lusignan
Jun 21st 2012, 19:46
Dubai was on the verge of bankrupcy thanks to these projects and was bailed out by its neighbours. Ask the many Maltese who bought property there if they made or lost money on their property investments. Most lost out due to the property bubble! Just like I asked in my prior posting can you please give one good reason what exactly the need is for land reclamation? Just one please (answer such as 'because thats what JM said so' doesn't count.). Nor does because we have nowheer to throw waste....for those who have taken a flight recently you will see dozens of empty quarries that can be rehabilitated.
C Sant
Jun 21st 2012, 23:06
absolutely wrong!! They got the large rocks and debris to produce the Islands from moountains. Where is your leader proposing to get 1. the material and 2. the money?
Martin Galea De Giovanni
Jun 22nd 2012, 01:14
Yes I did have the "pleasure" to watch it.... But perhaps you didn't watch it till the end when the narrator pointed out to the fact that the sand needs to be replenished all the time to keep the Palm from wilting ....
They have the oil and the money (or shall we say had) and will only keep this pipe dream going until the money and oil lasts ... Can we afford to do that in Malta ? I let you decide on that....
The rest was asked/mentioned by John Lusignan
Edward Curmi
Jun 22nd 2012, 10:13
Look at the palm City projescts now they are stagnant as no cash left!!
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jun 22nd 2012, 15:07
@ C Sant - Digging the 'Dream ' Gozo Tunnel Connection will solve your first question abundantly . Your second question is elementary !................... through EU SPECIAL FUNDS .
P. Attard
Jun 21st 2012, 18:51
I think two places should be considered for reclamation, thus creating much needed and valuable parking spaces. The sites are the 'fossa' area in Valletta and Gzira -Ferry quay. Underground parking could be topped with public areas/gardens; thus killing two birds with one stone. As regards the area 'taken from the sea'; well; we have lots of it locally so it should not be missed much! Regarding the construction debris; I agree that old stonework should not be thrown away but recycled with sense.
Alfred Grech
Jun 21st 2012, 18:47
The vacant buildings have nothing to do with this topic. We should not reclaim land to build buildings but to built parks and marinas. In Toronto they built Ontario Place on reclaimed land - it's a huge park and entertainment place and it is very popular with locals and vistors.
If it is done diligently, it should not cause any problems to the environment.
pat muscat
Jun 21st 2012, 18:45
Sicily is reclaiming huge areas of the sea; Ragusa has just built a 600 berth marina, and a brand new marina has just been inaugurated at Licata. Sicily is the largest island in the Med, and they reclaim the sea; Malta, being the smallest and the most populated cannot do the same! And please don't tell jokes about ruining the sea life; barnacles and sea weeds manage to grow robustly on coatings of anti fouling paint...let alone on new land!
The environment has to be managed and this might give us more space for recreation and why not jobs too!
The Dutch do it, so do the Danes and the Belgians. Better a managed sea reclamation project than the horror of building a villa in the middle of Bahrija valley flats, block of flats in the middle of Wied il-Ghasal and more flats on virgin land at Mizieb/Xemxija..where flats were built amongst one of the most important megalithic site of Prehistoric Malta!
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jun 22nd 2012, 03:51
Very well said Ms. Muscat .
Some people here seem to know ABSOLUTELY nothing about the Netherlands , how the Japs and the British , just to mention these two,reclaimed land from the Sea , BUILT ISLANDS , to accommodate the Huge International Airports at Kansai (Osaka) , Nagasaki and Honk Kong.,
Obviously with the runways alone and all the ancillary infrastructure these are much larger than Comino !
Wouldn't it be a GREAT IDEA to have an OFF-SHORE Airport opposite GHallis where the sea is quite shallow, away from any town or village as at presant .
George Cutajar
Jun 21st 2012, 18:45
@ Joseph Arpa - it is not a question of having faith in the Maltese worker. Just look at the way the Valletta project is coming along as are other projects all fruit of the hard work of the Maltese. This is simply a case of a pie in the sky.
Do you honestly believe that we should reclaim land? Do you honestly believe that we actually need to reclaim land? Land reclamation is nothing new for Malta. It was done, and with great success, at the Freeport, Msida and on the Sliema Seafront but they were done for a specific reason. Reclaiming land at Ghallis makes no sense as make no sense building Islands in the sea.
Roberta Sciberras
Jun 21st 2012, 18:40
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uu-WX-nJiU&feature=player_embedded#!
Victor Pulis
Jun 21st 2012, 18:39
why in heaven's name are we looking at stealing land from the sea now? We have thousands of vacant buildings on the land we already have. I see lack of common sense is spread across the board and is not the monopoly of the present administration.
John Lusignan
Jun 21st 2012, 18:35
I'd like to ask all of the PL die hards wearing blinkers one good reason why we need land reclamation? What exactly is the need to do so? There are over 60,000 empty units / houses (that we know of) in Malta and just because the PL leader throws around a daft idea of reclaiming land you all agree to it. Rather than reclaim land we should ensure people stop abusing and we give the current land that's been taken by thiefs in Armier, Gnejna and other places back to the people!! We have plenty of outdoor spaces but they are abused by hunters and the likes with do not enter signs everywhere even though most of the land is public. We need to make proper changes to the rent laws and give people back what is theirs. These are the kind of policies we need - make use of what we have in a better way, not daft ideas and gimmicks such as land reclamation just so that the PL leader can look like he is full of ideas. This one is 100% daft! For those who have been to Dubai you will know that the sea has been ruined and is all murky and not very inviting. Take off your blinkers and start thinking with your heads. We should stop trying to build false economies based on property and construction as we will only end up where the Spanish have ended up! Families are getting smaller (2 children vs. 3-4 children) so before we know it our 60000 empty units will be 100,000 empty units. Seriously be mature and take off your blinkers!
A Micallef
Jun 21st 2012, 19:54
your idea has been mentioned numerous amount of times but even the PN has never done anything about it in 25 years
Ivan Calleja
Jun 21st 2012, 23:54
How right you are Mr.Lusignan....Very valid points....hope someone from the PL reads your comment and relays the message to Joseph Muscat
John Lusignan
Jun 22nd 2012, 01:34
A Micallef - who said Im sticking up for the PN? They undoubtedly failed 100% in these areas I mentioned - for votes obviously. It is evident that the new 'movement' is no different unfortunately when it comes to these issues as instead of tackling the above obvious things that need to be done they come up with a useless vote neutral idea.
Mr Peter Vella
Jun 21st 2012, 18:30
Another bubble full of hot air from Joseph Muscat and the PL. Just like the floating power station that does not pollute. Don't these people know how to carry a serious study before they blurt out inanities?
Tony Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 18:20
Mr. Deidun i have to tell you bluntly that you are completely wrong since all the debris that was dumped to reclaim the land of the Freeport was just waste that the construction industry was producing at that time.
Secondly there can never be any repercussions on Marine Life since what grows now can grow later on a different coast line. This was proven time and time again by different countries that had explored land reclamation ages before we did, Holland, Singapore Dubai to name a few.
If there are any magalits or temples under water, than it is a different story altogether but otherwise your are just blowing an air bubble.
M Cassar
Jun 21st 2012, 17:51
Just remember that most of the Freeport is built on reclaimed land.
Yes we have to be careful about the effects on the environment, but reclaiming land from the sea is a viable optio, Let us stop rubbishing the views of those who come up with different solutions from those proposed by the gurus of the environment.
Paul Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 19:25
Also Msida from the Ghajn tal hasselin to the sea , is all reclaimed. Some people do forget dont they.
Eddy Privitera
Jun 21st 2012, 17:43
" if the project was aimed at tourism, for example, it might be feasible " ! So how are some people jumping the gun ???
Those who have RFUINED Malta are the last people to speak out, and when there are no details as yet, but the idea !!!!
John Schembri
Jun 21st 2012, 18:00
Eddy , I for one am in favour of land reclamation as was PM Gonzi in 2006 , do you think that a prime minister (any prime minister) wouldn’t grab a feasible opportunity which comes his way?
If experts tell you ,one after the other that it is not viable ; don’t do it.
Edmond Micallef
Jun 21st 2012, 17:40
Very truly this is one of the very few instances where I heard this NGO voicing its concern about something.
Hope these are not the signs of things to come for supposedly independent bodies to put spokes in the wheels in the eventuality that a change in government does take place
Where were Friends of the Earth in instances such as, for example, the BWSC scandal which was being pushed down our throats with a vengeance by the GonziPN?
Martin Galea De Giovanni
Jun 21st 2012, 18:45
Perhaps you were not living on the island..... the least you can do it visit FoE's website and refer to its opposition to the BWSC project....
Please refrain from looking at this through political blinkers... FoE Malta had slammed Gonzi for his reclaimation ideas in 2005 and has been consistent in its opposition now that Muscat came up with similar ideas.
A Micallef
Jun 21st 2012, 19:34
where were/are Friends of the Earth at the new Wied il-Ghasel construction of apartments and garages!!!!!
Martin Galea De Giovanni
Jun 21st 2012, 22:27
A. Micallef : your question is answered a few lines below your question...
Victor Calleja
Jun 21st 2012, 17:35
Go and tell all this to Dubai authorities.
Roberta Sciberras
Jun 21st 2012, 17:26
Is Mr Alan Deidun at all worried about the development of the neighbourhood of Wied il-Ghasel? This is an honest question and I'm hoping for an honest reply.
B Attard
Jun 21st 2012, 17:23
If you are true Friends of the Earth you must condemn the development at Wied il-Ghasel first.
Martin Galea De Giovanni
Jun 21st 2012, 18:46
Friends of the Earth have always been supportive to this cause and any other cause related to the destruction of all the Maltese valleys.
R. Cilia
Jun 21st 2012, 22:37
I read today.s article on the destruction of the Mosta valley but Frriends of the Earth were never mentioned!
Julian Tonna
Jun 21st 2012, 17:19
you never came to holland?
Martin Galea De Giovanni
Jun 22nd 2012, 01:05
As a matter of fact I've been there many times....
If you want to tackle this argument from a purely technical point of view, I suggest you check the bathymetry of the coast around Malta and that of Holland. Then come back and we'll continue to discuss....
Ian Bugeja
Jun 21st 2012, 17:14
Personally i think that the government should start looking into the option of creating more open spaces, by relocating some buildings and creating free space. This is of course a very expensive task but would give to Malta much more open space (hopefully greener areas) which you find in other countries. Some parts are heavily built and there is literally no need (since many buildings are empty).
E. Vassallo
Jun 21st 2012, 17:11
The proposal by MLP labour just shows how amateurish his proposals are......JPO would fit nicely into his team!!!!!
Anthony Grech
Jun 21st 2012, 16:58
"Developers are concerned???? Is this a joke. After these so called MALTA DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION ruined every part of the islands, now they are concerened? Just mention ONE coastline that you DEVELOPERS did not ruin and still are pressing to ruin, like Hondoq and Ramla in Gozo.
N. Agius
Jun 21st 2012, 16:55
If done properly, land reclamation is the only viable and sustainable way forward for future generations to have affordable housing. That's why developers are against it.
E. Azzopardi
Jun 21st 2012, 16:41
Very nice to hear that the Malta Developers Association is concerned about our coastline and therefore our environment. I live in Sliema and for the last fourteen years we had was construction within 100 metres. All we had was dust, noise and more dust and more noise and dust and more noise ( I cannot emphasize this enough) besides other things. Besides they used to start at 0600 hrs with their work. We used to report all this and it was also in the papers, but NOBODY came to our rescue. Day in day out we had more of the same. Ejja, forsi qed isiru il-mirakli!!!
J. Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 16:51
i think they are more concerned about their property losses!!!!!!!!!!
M camilleri
Jun 21st 2012, 16:41
Flimkien kollox possibli..
C Agius
Jun 21st 2012, 16:38
Labour just lost my vote on this stupid proposal re land reclamation
Anthony A. Mifsud
Jun 21st 2012, 17:01
Well Labour just won my Vote, I think you dont remember the 70's as back than, labour claimed as far from Tighne up to Gzira, is that Land reclamation. so that what we need not that Concret mase we live in Sliema .
Proset JM
A. Schembri
Jun 21st 2012, 17:06
Wow i can see you choose the party you want to vote quite wisely and take in concern the most important issues!
Besides the pn isnt exactly the best in choosing how to use the land.. may i remind you the project at Wied il Ghasel and the parlament at valletta...
Anthony Grech
Jun 21st 2012, 17:13
Agius you do well to vote to Gonzipn who today were accused by the European Commission that they are not protecing citizens (including you and me) from noxious air pollution -
censu busuttil
Jun 21st 2012, 17:16
What about the electricity bill petrol diesel and gas? R#Are you happy with them? Now, if I am correct, the price of a barrel is under $90 and the prices are the same. Please tell it to the marines that you were going to vote labour.
A Micallef
Jun 21st 2012, 17:21
actually they never had it
Eddy Privitera
Jun 21st 2012, 17:45
C. Agius: What do you know about this proposal that you don't like, when no details have been given ???
Alfred Vassallo
Jun 21st 2012, 19:52
@C Agius
Oh what a catastrophe!!! Aguis isn't going to vote Labour. Bhall dak li qallu int ivutajt xi darba lil LP!!.
j brincat
Jun 21st 2012, 16:37
@George Cutajar
"JM must have been so impressed with Palm Island that he simply thought that it would do for Malta and so he comes back and proposes that we consider land reclamation. Pure and simple"
At least he was not impressed by Maghtab Mountain which was supposed to bloom!
(jb).
Mr Joe Micallef
Jun 21st 2012, 17:14
It will in a very short while and not because someone hovered above it with a helicopter or tried to disqualify Malta from EU funds for a project which formed part of the process. Now who where those twerps?
A Micallef
Jun 21st 2012, 19:40
Joe it was blooming in the last election for 2 month.. then gas killed the flowers. will happen again and again. stupid idea and waste of money
lilly vella
Jun 21st 2012, 16:34
anka li ma jistawx jorhsu l kontijiet qalulna imbghad bengluha kemm felhu . dak li impossibbli ghalikhom , mhux impossibbli ghal min ghandu vizjoni.
Richard Caruana
Jun 21st 2012, 17:15
Minn bengila l-kwistjoni tal-kontijiet? S'issa la ma qalx kif ser jaghmel, tibqa 'gimmick'impossibbli sakemm ma jsibx iz-zejt.
John Schembri
Jun 21st 2012, 19:33
Miss lilly hi , il-kontijiet tad-dawl jorhsu meta nibdew nimpurtaw l-elettriku minn fuq in-network Ewropew ,hemm forsi jigi b’irhas ghax il-magni tal-power stations jonqsilhom ix-xoghol u d-dawl forsi jigi minn xi impjant nuklejari. Bis-Sargas prototype gas capture project ta' BILLJUN Ewro jizdied il-piz fuq l-EneMalta , l-imghax la ha jhallsu Franco u l-anqas Joseph, AHNA jkollna nhallsu.Dejjem nghidu dan bir-rispett kollu ghax personali m’ghandi xejn kontrihom.
George Cutajar
Jun 21st 2012, 16:30
JM must have been so impressed with Palm Island that he simply thought that it would do for Malta and so he comes back and proposes that we consider land reclamation. Pure and simple.
I am convinced that had JM not visited the Gulf this 'proposal' would never have seen the light of day. It was an idea which he thought he could sell as an electoral promise but which seems to have backfired.
Reclaiming land or rather building in the sea makes no sense unless it is part of a project with an end scope. Simply reclaiming land to build apartments will not solve the construction industry's problems.
This proposal simply goes to show that Labour has no tangible proposals should they win the election.
Joseph Arpa
Jun 21st 2012, 16:54
Whats the problem George........it worked in Dubai, you don't have faith that we Maltese can do it also??? I tell you what makes sense....Mepa giving out permits in Green areas, ODZ when we shouldn't even be accepting applications!!!
Joseph Aquilina
Jun 21st 2012, 17:56
@Joseph Arpa
strange so far your dear Joseph said nothing against the permit ... I hope ... for the good of Malta that he does speak out!! Maybe for once he would have done something right!!
Joseph Arpa
Jun 21st 2012, 20:45
@ Joseph Aquilina
Why dont you ask him if you're so smart. Its besides the point whatever JM thinks, its not good or bad wether its red or blue dear Mr Aquilina. You know as well as I do that MEPA has two weights and two measures. If an application is for development in an ODZ is should be turned down, or else whats the use of having ODZ's????
j brincat
Jun 21st 2012, 16:29
“It’s a fake solution about doing something because you did not manage to control something else,” said Martin Galea De Giovanni"
And who are the culprits who did not manage to control something else?
Who has been in power in the last 25 years?
How many times during the last 25 years have you voiced your concerns?
Ever heard of MEPA?
(jb)
Martin Galea De Giovanni
Jun 22nd 2012, 00:58
"Furthermore, proposals for land reclamation indicate that both Government and Opposition are willing to succumb to pressures by the business community and land speculators at the expense of harm to the marine environment." (Friends of the Earth Malta 2005)
Full article here: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20050703/local/friends-of-the-earth-against-land-reclamation.85319
Antonio Pace
Jun 21st 2012, 16:29
Boom! There goes another of Muscat's bubbles!
Noel Abela
Jun 21st 2012, 16:42
The biggest B O O M came out of parlament when GonziPn lost yet another vote and still is stuck to the seat of power.
J. Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 16:48
Lest qataghha hu......jekk l-anqas taf x'inhu l-progett kif qed tghid li 'busrt bubble'.
Silvio Agius
Jun 21st 2012, 16:29
I think land reclamation makes sense. Developers are concerned on the impact this would have on the price of land and their profits!!! Environmentalists on the other hand where no where to be seen when land was reclaimed for the power station and freeport. And to date millions of tons of inert material are thrown in a specific location offshore with MEPA's consensus. So why not using this to the countries benefit? Maybe we can now find appropriate space for golf courses!!
Lawrence Fenech
Jun 21st 2012, 16:25
It makes more sense than the fairyland tunnel, the half baked theatre, the pigeon holes called parliament and the town with no door in Valletta.
Joseph Camilleri
Jun 21st 2012, 18:54
quite right.. let's face it.. whoever heard of Renzo Piano and who needs him anyway when we have our own ideas?!
James Tyrrell
Jun 21st 2012, 15:05
"Malta Developers’ Association president Michael Falzon was also concerned about the coast."
“One has to be very careful where to do it. We have to protect our coastline.”
So suddenly the developers are concerned about Malta's coastline! I think they are more concerned with the idea of reclamation taking place in front of properties they have already constructed thereby reducing their value.
J. Borg
Jun 21st 2012, 16:50
i agree 100% with you. I think they are concerned that property prices will go down and they make lots of losses to try and sell their property.
Joseph Stafrace
Jun 21st 2012, 14:20
Way back there was talk about building an artificial island on Hurd Bank. The idea was to transfer the oil bunkering facilities away from the port area. Maybe this is what Dr. Muscat had in mind. The Gulf countries have suceeded in building large islands using reclaimed sand.
M Cachia
Jun 21st 2012, 15:54
An acttcat has caused untold harm to the ecosystem of the arabian gulf.
pat muscat
Jun 21st 2012, 09:48
I like the photo of the blue lagoon; will it be reclaimed too? Mela il-friends of the earth iridu jghaddu iz-zmien bina? What is good for Holland and Scandinavia could be good for us; in the meantime, Friends of the Earth and the rest of the chorus, did not utter one word when instead of reclaiming the sea, a hole was dug on land at Porto Maso, rather than build the marina in the surrounding sea! There is an other hill of construction waste being buit at Maghtab; not enough construction waste?; + the many quarries which have already been filled with construction waste? Halluna nghixu!
James Dimech
Jun 21st 2012, 11:24
Are you suggesting that we should throw Maghtab in the sea ?
pat muscat
Jun 21st 2012, 12:06
Next to big maghtab there is a 'small maghtab with building waste. Besides, as from now on building waste could be recycled and used. The environment has to be managed, and not treat it as if it is a 'presepju'. But perhaps you are right, after 25 years of Mepa,and GonziPN there is nothing left to preserve so much for the land li 'tibda twarrad'!
Martin Galea De Giovanni
Jun 21st 2012, 18:49
Again, please refer to the news archives (or short memory). Friends of the Earth were at the forefront of the campaign against the PortoMaso "hole". So much so that the then chairperson (the late Julian Manduca) almost lost his life when the rabid developer decided to throw the chained protesters into the sea.
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