Government MPs, except Marlene Farrugia, did not give a reply when questioned by Front Ħarsien ODZ whether they agreed with the siting of a new university at Zonqor. 

Front spokesman Michael Briguglio said this morning that government MPs had ignored the question but instead sent a collective email quoting what is said in the Strategic Planning Environment Document. This says that construction should first be considered in already built up areas before ODZ land is considered.

“It is disappointing to have received this reply which did not address the proposed Zonqor development whatsoever,” Dr Briguglio said.

Government MP Marlene Farrugia meanwhile sent an individual reply to the question saying she disagreed with both plans to construct in Zonqor, as well as with any development on ODZ land.

Dr Briguglio said the Opposition had on the other hand said it disagreed with plans to develop a university in Zonqor. Asked how they replied when asked about any construction on ODZ land, Dr Briguglio said the Opposition’s collective reply was vague and had only said that they agreed with the front.

The front also asked for the stance of leaders of smaller parties, not represented in parliament. Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Arnold Cassola had said the entire Zonqor area should be turned into a national park. Allianz Liberal and the Communist Party of Malta also replied that they disagreed with ODZ development and the Zonqor construction.

Dr Briguglio said the front was expecting MPs to pronounce themselves on the issue in the future and would be holding each of them accountable to their promises.

The front will hold a national protest against the Zonqor development next Saturday at 10am in Valletta.