The leaders of Azzjonali Nazzjonali today toured Cottonera and the Attard industrial zone and insisted that the government should have given proper attention to both.

Party leader Josie Muscat said Cottonera deserved to be developed into a commercial and tourist hub, with souvenir shops, other retail outlets and restaurants, not unlike Dubrovnik, without, however, ruining the character of the area. He said Cottonera required regeneration because it was abandoned and the waterfront project was “an ant” next to the whole area he was referring to.

Dr Muscat said AN was in favour of SmartCity, but this was a case of two weights, two measures, the red carpet having been rolled out for foreigners while Maltese were given a hard time by bureaucracy and had to wait years for permits.

AN deputy leader Anglu Xuereb said SmartCity was exempt from dumping fees for gravel and could have recycled the stone of the factories in the area, or created underwater breakwaters to save sandy beaches and create artificial reefs.

At the Attard industrial zone, the AD officials said the area was dilapidated, with sub-standard factories and disgruntled owners.

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