The recent announcement by the parliamentary secretary responsible for sport, in the presence of a Nationalist MP, that “an expression of interest” has been issued for the building of a huge racing track has sent shock waves among political activists on both sides of the political divide.

These visions of grandeur that Malta can blindly emulate much larger countries can cause irreparable damage to our natural environment as well as our quality of life. Such projects create noise and light and air pollution detrimental not only to Maltese residents but also to tourism.

Such a project in a small country like Malta shows a lack of foresight and complete disregard for the physical and mental health of thousands of citizens. Furthermore, on no account should we allow the further erosion of our countryside and coastal zones.

The recent Nationalist Party insensitive recommendation of putting a price tag on priceless ODZ land is outrageous to say the least. It is definitely the PN’s biggest blunder. Such a proposal implies that nothing is sacred anymore and that any land has a price.

I firmly believe that areas outside development zones should remain untouched.