While most of us were celebrating Christmas and New Year, it became known that the planning authority had received an application to build an agro-tourism project in the area known as Munxar, a rural area that connects St Thomas Bay area with Xrobb l-Għaġin. This is another ODZ pristine land within the perimeter of the beautiful village of Marsascala. This significant site carrieslevels 2 and 3 degrees of protection.
The application reminded me of another one that was turned down almost 20 years ago after many residents accompanied us to protest and oppose a similar development on the same stretch of land.
During our first meeting at the local council this year we unanimously voted against the Munxar project proposal.
This was very good news as we stood firm in our opposition and raised our genuine concerns during the first scoping meeting with the developer at Mepa. Front Ħarsien ODZ and the Għaqda Bajja San Tumas joined us to oppose this development. It was our first step, but surely not the last, as our opposition will continue until Mepa decides about the future of Munxar.
During our first meeting at the local council this year we unanimously voted against the Munxar project proposal
It also reminds us of the other issue we have been facing for many months on the other side of the village at Żonqor Point. Although it was projected to be a university it turned out to be something else.
Apart from their concern over the building height, many residents are very worried by the side effects this over-development will have on Żonqor. Most of the residents admit that they will not benefit, but actually we all stand to lose with this over-development.
A lot are also worried about the cultural unbalance this will bring, coupled with building on ODZ and virgin land so close to the shoreline. To add insult to injury, our Prime Minister in a recent Sunday speech revealed what we have suspected all along, that it’snot a university but an education and touristic development.
This did not surprise me at all, as the mask of the prime Minister has started to crack. I wonder how many PL supporters and residents would have protested and argued against this project had it been proposed by the PN.
I also find it hard to understand what is so different between the two sites and why the local council voted in favour of the Żonqor development, without knowing the full facts. It seems that the information is still coming out gradually.
Finally, I have to mention the neglected, old Jerma Palace Hotel. This other piece of pristine land was taken away from us in the Mintoff era 40 years ago. In its golden days this added value to Marsascala by attracting tourism and other related business to the southern part of the island.
Ten years have gone by since it was closed down. I appeal to Mepa and all those concerned to take immediate action to either have the area restored to its original state or to make progress for a much needed five-star hotel that could benefit Marsascala and its residents. Mepa please take action.
John Camilleri is a Nationalist Party local councillor in Marsascala and candidate in the third district.