Sustainable development is one of those phrases which are regularly used, and abused, in local political jargon.  ‘Everyone’ agrees to the concept and principles of sustainable development. Everyone promises sustainability in practice as was the case with the promises made by Joseph Muscat and the Labour Party prior to the 2013 general election.

Sustainable development touches upon a number of issues which are fundamental in ensuring a good quality of life to our people. Land-use policies, more and better urban public spaces, emission reductions and water conservation, are all central in the party’s approach towards ensuring practical policies which in their entirety will ensure sustainable development.

The document ‘An Economy for the People’, published by the Nationalist Party, lays down a number of concrete measures aimed at putting into practice the principles of sustainable development in a just and coherent way.

The policy document treats the principle of sustainable development not as an option but as an obligation which we owe to future generations. I reckon that this is quite difficult in implementing but the PN sets out bold measures in its policy document which are measurable and which can be used to measure its success in implementing what it is proposing from the Opposition benches.

Another concrete proposal is the eradication of slums with better housing strategies which will also aid urban regeneration

The PN’s document is proposing to introduce a new tax incentive related to the environmental impact of businesses, wherein the gross value added, number of employees, built-up space, and carbon footprint are used to determine the intensity of the fiscal benefit to be granted.  This will ensure a just implementation of a measure intended to incentivise the embrace of greener, cutting-edge technologies.

Further measures being proposed include the improvement in the use of industrial land use through the accelerated shift towards higher value-added activities built on higher land-efficiency and low carbon emissions. The PN is also promoting the introduction of measures and policies that will support ground-breaking projects which will adopt the use of low-carbon technologies in industry.

The document is also proposing measures aimed at improving urban planning to cluster industrial activities and promoting the creation of more open green spaces within industrial zones. Industrial activity is also being earmarked for better distribution to ensure that the impact on certain localities is lessened while ensuring better distribution.

Another concrete proposal is the eradication of slums with better housing strategies which will also aid urban regeneration in currently run-down areas.

This is another document which proves how the party is being proactive in its approach and also proposing tangible measures which would serve as the basis for its forthcoming electoral manifesto. This is the first real attempt in recent political history where the Opposition actually presents measures and policies to support its vision for the country.

I am proud to form part of this party which is showing unequivocally that it is ready to continue with its work in the best interest of future generations.

Sam Abela is a PN election candidate.

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