MEPA said today it had approved an outline development application for the construction of a micro-enterprise park at T'Alla w Ommu Hill, near Naxxar.
The proposed development was criticised by nine NGOs yesterday. They complained that virgin land was being needlessly taken up for this industrial zone.
MEPA said the land was surrounded by building industry plants. This zone was one of the six Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Parks it had identified in the SME subject plan approved in July 2004.
“This decision was taken, as the Authority persists in it efforts to keep reducing the number of existing small and medium sized businesses from operating in residential areas. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by nature create an inconvenience and are highly incompatible with residential areas,” the Authority said.
“MEPA remains committed to implementing sustainable development principles and practices that ensure a better quality of life.”