The Prime Minister was being "absolutist and stubborn" in ignoring civil society's opposition to development at Zonqor, Front Harsien ODZ said this morning.
It was referring to a story in MaltaToday yesterday in which the Prime Minister was quoted saying that part of the American University of Malta private campus would be built at Zonqor.
"This is even more worrying when he chose to make this declaration when Parliament is in summer recess and without publishing the agreement with developers Sadeen Group.
"Front Harsien ODZ asks the Prime Minister to declare whether any electoral obligations exist with Sadeen Group.
"Our resistance to development at Zonqor will keep growing, and civil society's voice will be raised at a level which cannot be ignored by a democratic government."
Sticking to principles on ODZ land is not ‘absolutist’ - Din l-Art Helwa
Disappointment at the Prime Minister's statement was also expressed by Din l-Art Helwa which said that the public consultation exercise to identify alternative sites seemed to have been just a sham, as the site was already chosen.
"The Prime Minister’s argument that not locating the university at Zonqor would be 'absolutist' is incomprehensible.
“Sticking to principles is not being absolutist. This is not just about Zonqor Point, but about the future of Malta’s countryside and natural spaces,” Din l-Art Helwa president Maria Grazia Cassar said.
“The government should lead by example and Din l-Art Helwa felt heartened that the pleas of the public and civil society were being listened to, when it learnt that areas in Cottonera were being considered.
"It is unbelievable that the project is still forging ahead in an ODZ area, when there are numerous other alternatives. It is a big let down for all of us,” she added.
Din l-Art Helwa reiterated its concerns expressed in May that it was unacceptable for the government to have proposed virgin land for construction, instead of considering disused or brownfield sites.
"The land which the government has put on the table will become worth millions to certain individuals as a commercial building site, however it is worth far, far more to our future generations."
It recalled that government sources had said that the project would only be viable if ODZ land was used. This, it said, showed that the government was disregarding the environmental cost of using up more countryside, when other sites were available.
"It would clearly be preferable to rehabilitate a dilapidated site, or find a use for existing buildings, than to take up more unbuilt land in the countryside or close to the sea. Open spaces should be preserved for the well-being of the community, as a respite from the concrete jungle that Mepa is now encouraging.
"Whether modern or historic buildings are identified, a project of this type should be accommodated close to population centres and not in the countryside," Din l-Art Helwa said.
PN statement
In a statement, the PN challenged the Prime Minister to publish the contract signed with the Jordanian contractors.
It said the Opposition would continue to insist, with all means permissible at law, that no part of Zonqor was developed.