Environment groups and citizens will be raising their voices in protest against the introduction of new planning regulations, which they say will relax building restrictions and lead to more overdevelopment.
A protest march to be held on Saturday will demand the government refrain from launching a series of policies, now being formulated by the planning authority, which threaten to bring widespread destruction of the countryside and reduce open spaces.
High-rise buildings and new hotel heights will lead to more traffic and restrict residents’ light and air, while reclamation schemes will destroy the coastline, the NGOs argue. Commercial activity will endanger the quality of life and health of residents.
Twelve organisations will insist that the government fulfil its obligations to “protect Malta’s landscape and its natural and cultural heritage” as laid down by the overriding principles of the Constitution.
The 12 are Birdlife, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Gaia Foundation, Greenhouse Malta, Malta Organic Agricultural Movement, Moviment Graffitti, Nature Trust Malta, Ramblers Association of Malta, Y4TE and Why Not?
They are supported by several local residents’ associations and the band Tribali.
The NGOs expressed their concern at the flouting of building regulations, as happened recently with Mepa’s controversial approval of the 15-floor, high-rise scheme at Mistra Ridge.
The project has aroused much public indignation and anger as it will permanently affect an area of national landscape value.
NGOs maintain the approval by Mepa was based entirely on irregularities and misleading information and should have been delayed until further improvements to the scheme could be effected.
The rights of citizens to enjoy open spaces, clean air and a healthy lifestyle continue to be threatened
They say 7,000 building illegalities permitted during the previous administration are to be condoned or regularised and this engenders a culture for further law-breaking.
“Despite having a ministry dedicated entirely to the Environment and Sustainable Development, the rights of citizens to enjoy open spaces, clean air and a healthy lifestyle continue to be threatened by an outdated fixation that construction will solve all Malta’s problems.”
The rally starts at 10.30am on Saturday outside City Gate, Valletta. All citizens are encouraged to attend.