It is a fact beyond any doubt that the proposed high building in Triq is-Simar, Xemxija is being vigorously opposed, for many valued reasons, by all residents of this area and by others who have the environment at heart. We are repeatedly told that the will of the people is supreme and that the authorities are there to safeguard the people’s rights. Otherwise how can we citizens have trust in the institutions?

Well, here we have a situation where the residents are 100 per cent against this development. These are the communities of Triq is-Simar, Triq l-Oqbra Puniċi, Triq ir-Ridott and the lower part of Triq Raddet ir-Roti, with an estimated population of about 500 residents, who oppose this project, with not a single person being in favour.

In view of all this, will the Mepa appeals board take this into consideration when it comes to decide whether to uphold the landmark Mepa unanimous decision to oppose this building permit?

As we see it, smiles and handshakes are no good to us. This is a matter of life or death because we are no fools. Should this high building ever materialise, Xemxija to us will not be Xemxija, “sunny side”, anymore, and, for one thing, the value of our property will diminish while that of the speculator will go skyhigh.