Government whip Godfrey Farrugia shall be taking part in the Front Harsien ODZ's protest taking place in Valletta on Saturday, he said this evening.

The group was set up shortly after the government proposed the development of a university at Zonqor Point.

Dr Farrugia attended the group's launching event last month.

Speaking on Times Talk this evening, Dr Farrugia said environmental issues were of major importance and when it came to Zonqor, it seemed the government had understood the situation and was analysing it.

He said it would not be bad for the government to reconsider its position.

Dr Farrugia said the government had clearly stated that it intended to safeguard the use of both land and sea in outside development zones by utilising existing building and changing the use of existing ones.

During the programme Michael Briguglio, one of the people behind Front Harsien ODZ, described the planning authority as the government's poodle.

Authority CEO Johann Buttigieg said he was not particularly worried about the people's concerns on the environment. He said that Mepa considering other sites besides Zonqor Point for the new university and a final decision had not yet been taken.

Mepa, he said, had to find the right balance between the economy, the environment, sustainability and the social impact.

PN deputy leader Mario de Marco referred to the government's proposals on land reclamation and the building of more real estate.

He admitted the people anger at the former administration was justified.

Times Talk is presented by Herman Grech and Mark Micallef on Tuesdays at 6.45pm. Today's programme will be available on this website tomorrow.

 

 

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