Government MPs were “vague” in replies given to written questions on ODZ development, Front Ħarsien ODZ spokesman Michael Briguglio said yesterday.

Addressing a press conference outside Parliament, Dr Briguglio said government MPs had ignored a question on whether or not they agreed with the proposed development of a private university in Żonqor.

Asked whether they agreed with any development on ODZ land at all, Dr Briguglio said the MPs, who replied collectively via an e-mail sent to the lobby group by Labour Whip Godfrey Farrugia, quoted 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 Żonqor development whatsoever and instead just referenced what is written in SPED,” Dr Briguglio said.

Government MP Marlene Farrugia sent an individual reply saying she disagreed with both the plan to build at Żonqor Point and with any development on ODZ land.

The Opposition replied saying it disagreed with the university project at Żonqor. In a collective reply, the Nationalist MPs said Żonqor should be protected from development.

It is disappointing to have received this reply which did not address the proposed Żonqor development whatsoever

Asked how they replied when asked about construction on any ODZ land, Dr Briguglio said the Opposition was also vague, simply saying they agreed with the front’s stand.

The lobby group also asked leaders of smaller parties not represented in Parliament for their views on the two issues.

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Arnold Cassola said the entire Żonqor area should be turned into a national park.

Alleanza Liberali and the Communist Party of Malta said they disagreed with both ODZ development and construction at Żonqor.

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 Żonqor development on Saturday at 10am in Valletta.

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