Government whip Godfrey Farrugia was among the protesters who attended a rally this morning by a collective of environmental non-government organisations and concerned citizens against development in outside development zones.

They described such development as the “threat facing the environment”.

Dr Farrugia, together with his partner Marlene, another government MP who has been vociferous against the planned new university project on pristine agricultural land at Zonqor, were among the protestors holding a banner calling for the protection of ODZ land.

The rally, in front of the new Parliament building, was attended by a few dozen people.

Asked about his attendance, Dr Farrugia said he had spoken out in favour of the environment over the years whenever there was a major issue and referred to numerous talking points and opinions, including in Times of Malta.

Asked how he would vote if the issue on whether or not to develop a new university at Zonqor came to a Parliamentary vote, he said this issue would not go that far as the government was committed towards truly protecting the environment.

He said that a balance could be found where just a small part of the development was done on ODZ land.

Giving a practical example, Dr Farrugia said that a bridge linking Malta and Gozo would also see minor development on Comino, which was ODZ land.

If done in the appropriate manner, Comino’s ODZ status should not come in the way of the building of the bridge, he argued.

Similarly in done in proper manner, minor development on an ODZ area should not stop what could ultimately be very successful project.

His opinion, however, jarred with that of Michael Brigulio, who addressed the rally on behalf of the newly set up Front Harsien ODZ.

Dr Briguglio said there could be no development on ODZ land, which should be respected.

The solution, he said, was to carry out proper studies and find alternatives. He pointed out that 33 per cent of buildings in Malta were uninhabited and the government should follow the standard procedure for such a project whereby a number of possible sites were first identified before taking the project to the planning authority.

He said that never in his many years of campaigning in favour of the environment had he seen such a strong public outcry against a project.

He urged the government to take heed of the objection being levelled by citizens and organisations, regardless of political beliefs.