Mepa’s environment protection function seems “non-existent” and except for rubber stamping development, the authority has become redundant, according to Din l-Art Ħelwa president Simone Mizzi.

“By its own admittance [Mepa] has not coped with decades of illegalities,” said Ms Mizzi at the heritage trust’s general assembly. “If locations of street markets in a World Heritage city are planned without Mepa, and extensions to government roads too, is Mepa needed at all?”

Ms Mizzi pointed out that the Mepa chairman had admitted to not being consulted on amnesties, just as environment minister Leo Brincat was not consulted on the new rural policy, which allows construction in the countryside.

“The development horse has bolted. Urban conservation areas are again heavily threatened by the developers’ axe, which is set to demolish anything of any age while the countryside is up for grabs,” she said.

In a grim assessment of the current state of environmental protection, the Din l-Art Ħelwa president said the greatest threat today stemmed from the materialistic goals of those in authority, which were being justified as means of economic progress.

Environmentalists too have a vote, and they shall use it when the time comes

“Today, success is rated by how quickly money turns and the use of property still provides fast attraction for investment, putting both built heritage and our natural environment at risk.”

Ms Mizzi called for scheduling to be stepped up for protected landscapes and entire streetscapes in urban conservation areas. As developers continue to replace old buildings with unimaginative apartment blocks, she urged members to be particularly vigilant.

She said to beware of ‘de-scheduling’ old properties, warning that “Malta [would] be totally overrun by construction of no character or quality”.

The current administration, she said, was fast dropping most of the protective environmental measures established in the last 20 years, making it possible for development to take place in previously prohibited areas, and rendering illegalities legal through amnesties.

“Government has placed itself above the law, with State-led projects no longer requiring approvals, such as the upgrading of country roads for the passage of modern agricultural equipment...

“Valletta’s gracious interiors are being gutted, falling prey to glitzy jewellery shops and boutique hotels, while its market stalls are a blight wherever they remain, especially at its new entrance.”

Ms Mizzi also urged the Prime Minister to recall his invitation to engage in dialogue with environmentalists during his New Year’s Eve message.

“Environmentalists too have a vote, and they shall use it when the time comes,” Ms Mizzi warned.

During the general assembly, DLĦ members adopted several resolutions, all concerning the state of the environment, including the protection of the countryside, the safeguarding of the foreshore, the conservation of Gozo’s rural character, the reuse of existing buildings for new developments, measures against shabbiness and the condemnation of amnesties.