The environment group Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar yesterday welcomed the “improved” permit to rebuild the Kappara junction, saying it was a “win-win situation”.

The group said it appreciated the efforts made by Transport Malta to modify the plans for the flyover, following the opposition of environment groups and residents who had objected to the destruction of a large number of trees in the nearby protected Wied Għollieqa.

The changes safeguard the natural environment and accommodate the needs of all residents by re-routing traffic, lowering the flyover and adding sound barriers, it said.

It also showed that when active public participation is met with commitment and goodwill by the authorities, solutions can be found. In compensation for the unavoidable destruction of a number of trees, Transport Malta will carry out badly-needed works at Wied Għollieqa.

This, however, “contrasts” sharply with the planning authority’s tree management, the group said. Even though there were pre-electoral promises that the protection of trees was a priority, Mepa “blocked the services of its tree expert”, who was transferred to another department, FAA said.