Front Harsien ODZ said it is willing to discuss the option of a university in Cottonera, provided that development at Zonqor and any other ODZ site is dropped.

This, it said, also included the construction of roads on ODZ areas due to traffic impact and air quality impact.

The Front, which has been opposing the development of a university on pristine agricultural land in Zonqor, was asked to submit feedback on a proposal to locate a university campus in Cottonera by consultants from a private company engaged by the government to conduct a Social Impact Assessment on the proposal.

“The Front favours using already developed sites in Cottonera. But the Front opposes utilising ODZ land in this densely populated part of the island.

“Furthermore, it is important that possible sites are available for public consultation given that there may be commonalities and differences in terms of social and environmental impacts of different sites. Comprehensive impact assessment studies should be carried out.”

Front Harsien ODZ insisted that when the possible sites were available for public consultation, this should involve a comprehensive consultation process with councils, residents, non-governmental organisations, experts and other stakeholders.

This should not involve a rushed procedure, but should involve meetings for feedback as well as adequately timed processes for written feedback, it said.