I am surprised that the public’s 52 per cent perception of corruption at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority in the recent Eurobarometer was not even higher.

In my opoinion, the planning authority’s lack of credibility is a direct result of its inconsistency,which, in turn, fuels the perception of rampant corruption. I know of two properties at Ta’ Xbiex, both within the same restricted redevelopment zone. One was granted a permit to redevelop for commercial purposes whereas the other application to do likewise was refused.

It seems that the decision to favour one applicant and not the other is shrouded in mystery. This runs counter to the planning authority’s chief executive officer’s statement that “all planning decisions are transparent and taken in public”.

If Mario de Marco (February 17) is indeed worried at the high perception of corruption, he needs to clarify the reasons behind such blatant unfairness. It is in his and our interest to restore faith in the planning authority that he ministers and also in his government. Anything less would only add to the planning authority’s dismal reputation.