The government should be “much more cautious” about integrating environmental considerations from the outset when deciding upon future projects, according to Labour Whip Godfrey Farrugia.
Speaking to the Times of Malta following the vote on the transfer of land to Sadeen Education Investment Ltd, Dr Farrugia confirmed his “internal efforts” to minimise the environmental impact of the American University of Malta project.
On May 15, less than two weeks after the signing of the agreement between the government and Sadeen, Dr Farrugia declared that he disagreed with the original Żonqor proposal.
He joined environmental NGOs and other individuals in a protest in front of Parliament on May 23 where the Żonqor proposal was described as a ‘threat’ to the environment.
This decision is mine alone, and no one imposed it on me
The protest led to the creation of the Front Ħarsien ODZ and a protest on June 20. Dr Farrugia originally stated on PBS that he would attend. However, he did not participate in this largest-ever environmental manifestation.
“My role as Whip reflects the diverse opinions of the Labour Parliamentary Group and I need to ethically respect that. At present, the government is welcoming all opinions and alternative suggestions for the development, both from members of civil society and internally.
“The Parliamentary group took a common and positive position on the protection of outside development zones, and I will stick to that position,” he said.
“This decision is mine alone, and no one imposed it on me,” he added.
On August 20, it was announced that the Żonqor campus would be scaled down, which Dr Farrugia welcomed as satisfactory.
He reiterated his views during a meeting of the Environment and Planning Committee meeting, held on November 2.
Shortly after midnight on Wednesday night during the parliamentary debate, he voted in favour of the land transfer to Sadeen – after analysing the proposal and the common good that would be created.
Expressing his stance as a self-described “proud defender of the environment”, he called for a proper impact analysis during the Mepa planning process, applying the provisions of the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development.
He cautioned against the development of “another Paceville” in Marsascala and Cospicua, and said that special consideration should be given to the impact on the utilities in the areas, as well as traffic and parking issues.
This development project had created active citizenship, where people seek information and keep updated with the proposals being made, Dr Farrugia concluded with pride.