The Opposition’s pre-Budget proposal of raising the value of ODZ land to equal that of land in prime development zones would benefit only property speculators, according to the government.
A government spokesman said the proposal meant the PN believed ODZ land could be developed so long as it was given the same price as prime development zones.
“The proposal could mean an environmental disaster of even bigger proportions than the PN government rationalization scheme in 2007, which gave up to 1.2 million square metres of ODZ for development,” he said.
Meanwhile, NGOs have warned that while the proposal might slow development, ODZ land is ultimately priceless and should not be touched.
Shaun Grech from Front Ħarsien ODZ said the proposal was a positive move in helping to prevent the further pillaging of public land to accommodate developers and perpetuating the cycle of corruption and favouritism.
However, any form of development on ODZ land should be avoided, he stressed. Other alternatives such as vacant buildings should be explored in full consultation with civil society.
Labour MP Marlene Farrugia pointed out that the balance between built-up sites, open spaces within built-up areas and open countryside was lost years ago and the island could not afford to sacrifice ODZ land.
“ODZ should under no circumstances be commoditized because it is national heritage – imagine putting a price on Ħaġar Qim temples,” Dr Farrugia argued.
However, she said she also understood the PN’s proposal. Should the uptake of ODZ land become absolutely necessary for an indispensable business venture, she said, a proper feasibility study of the project should be done, taking into consideration the actual market value of the land being sacrificed and the infrastructural, environmental and health implications for the population.
From a sustainable development, healthy environment standpoint, Malta could not afford to develop all the areas within development boundaries, let alone allow further “concretification” of ODZ land, she said.
ODZ should under no circumstances be commoditized because it is national heritage
The PN’s proposal for charging development zone rates for outside development zone sites would certainly slow the demand for greenfield sites, according to Astrid Vella from Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar.
However, the very concept of considering ODZ land for development would undermine their designation as areas where construction cannot take place, she added.
Demands for ODZ projects like foreign universities and motor sport circuits needed to be assessed in terms of whether they were essential to the well-being of a tiny island that did not have an unemployment problem, she argued.
The value of a natural site could not be reduced to a calculation of its area – green areas are essential to residents’ physical and mental health.
ODZ land should only be resorted to in cases of irrefutable national interest and with a three-quarters parliamentary majority.
Raising the value of ODZ land might act as a deterrent to prospective development, according to Maria Grazia Cassar, president of Din l-Art Ħelwa.
The true value of public ODZ land, however, was unquantifiable – what was needed was a change of attitude towards land use and a real respect for natural and open spaces.
What they said:
“While I understand the rationale behind the PN’s proposal, I emphasise that ODZ should remain ODZ and should not be commoditized for any reason. It is priceless.” – Marlene Farrugia, Labour MP
“Raising the value of ODZ land might also encourage the abandonment of agricultural land in the hope that this might be sold for a better profit.” – Maria Grazia Cassar, Din l-Art Ħelwa
“Enough land exists within the development envelope to cater for all of Malta’s essential needs.” – Astrid Vella, FAA
MDA president Sandro Chetcuti:
“The MDA is against extending the development boundaries as a matter of principle.
“We do not think that this proposal will solve the issue regarding development in ODZ. The PN’s proposal will only create a level playing field regarding the commercial value of the land.
“Although this is positive, this will hardly help to avoid building in ODZ land.
“Moreover, privately owned ODZ land will not be affected by this measure and therefore the pressure for development in ODZ land will not be eased and will remain an issue.”