Front Harsien ODZ has called for more transparency in the social impact assessment on the possible development of an American University of Malta campus in Cottonera while insisting that the government should also commit itself not to use any land outside development zones (ODZ) for this purpose, both within Cottonera and in Marsascala.

“Such a clear commitment to use already existing infrastructure and to exclude any development on ODZ and other protected areas, would send a clear message that  the government is listening to civil society and thus would encourage participation in a positive exercise aimed at assessing the aspirations and concerns of local communities,” the front said in a statement.

Front Harsien ODZ also called on government to publish any information on the sites being considered in Cottonera and in Marsascala and the necessary infrastructure required for these developments.

It also called for the details of the site selection exercise to be presented to parliament’s environment committee as soon as parliament is re-convened, accompanied by a professional reports conducted by experts in various fields and Mepa’s Environment Directorate.

“We have no objection to the re-use of existing buildings within development zones but no development including infrastructure and new roads should spill over on ODZ land and protected sites. ” the front said.