Environment groups yesterday lambasted the government over what they described as an institutional attack on the environment.
The criticism was made at a press conference attended by 21 NGOs, including Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Friends of the Earth, the Jesuits Community, Ramblers and Graffitti.
The groups complained that the island was being bombarded with development proposals for outside development zones and that the environment was being attacked on all fronts.
“This is not what we were promised although we are not surprised by the government’s interventions to water down environment legislation,” Astrid Vella from FAA said. She insisted that instead of valuing Malta’s unique landscapes as a health-giving contributor to the economy, politicians only saw ODZ areas as a cash-cow to be exploited.
“This cannot go on and we appeal to all those who are interested in the future of this country to say enough is enough and join us,” she said.
Ms Vella said that unfortunately the country was witnessing the result of the conflicting political promises made by Joseph Muscat before the election. “He said one thing to us [the environmentalists] and another to the developers. This is the result,” she insisted.
We want the Prime Minister to introduce a moratorium on ODZ development
The groups will be attending Saturday’s protest in Valletta against ODZ development organised by Front Ħarsien ODZ, a newly set-up coalition.
The groups said the country was witnessing an unprecedented attack on green areas, with projects proposed for the further destruction of the environment and protected areas.
“The supposed Żonqor university is just one example. There are many others including the cruise liner terminal in Gozo, the building of more towers in Sliema, a new motor racing track in Qrendi, a new hotel on the Għadira beach and many others,” Alternattiva Żgħażagħ said.
For Din l-Art Ħelwa’s Simone Mizzi, the biggest environmental attack is taking place through the introduction of subjective clauses in new planning legislation known as SPED – Strategic Plan for Environment and Development.
“We want radical changes and appeal to the Prime Minister to introduce a moratorium on development in ODZ until we define what can be done and what can’t. The SPED has to be re-drawn,” Ms Mizzi said.
Times Talk will tonight discuss the limits of construction ahead of Saturday’s protest. TVM 6.45pm