From Mr J. Portelli

Now is the time to make or break the environment. Much of our beloved environment has been built on or abused with the excuse of generating fuel for the economy.

Now is the time to save what we have left of our open spaces. You know the feeling: going for a walk surrounded by a natural habitat away from built up land is exhilarating and swimming in still unspoilt sea is liberating. Losing what little we have will ruin our Malta and Gozo forever, and will not be worth living in. Let alone tourists. What we save of the environment is for us to enjoy first, and it is good for our well being.

Unfortunately, it seems that the two main political parties are going to keep the status quo as regards MEPA and building outside the development zone. So I would like to make the following proposals:

To you dear citizen, vote for the natural environment. Now is the time for you to decide. Do not let others decide what to do with the environment for you. Do not be deceived by empty and fancy words. Facts speak louder than words. Give your vote to those who have defended the natural environment.

It is nice to hear about new schemes and proposals for public transport in Malta. But what about Gozo? Public transport in Gozo is quasi non-existent. If we had an efficient public transport, students would use it to go and return from private lessons, people going to work in Malta would use it, people going to work would use it, go out on weekends and not have to use your car. It makes sense economically in time saved for parents, environmentally wise (less CO2), less congestion, less parking spaces needed, and so on. If need be, reform it, use mini buses, etc. Even tourism will benefit. In Gozo, a tourist has to come with a tour, or with a car or use a taxi. Otherwise s/he has to walk or bake in the sun for hours waiting for manna from heaven. We deserve a decent public transport. This is a public service. (And a direct air link from the airport is still missing)

It is good rehabilitating the natural environment that has been destroyed, but it is much better not destroying what we have left. Will we have to turn every nook in a national park to protect it from development? Will MEPA remain a monster with the weak and a fly with the strong? There is no political will, or the structural plan has too many loopholes, or MEPA does not have enough tools, or while the cat is away the mice come out to play.

And is the use of pesticides being controlled? What pesticides enter Malta, how are they used, are the fresh vegetables and fruits we eat loaded with it? Are these things being controlled? Are we asking the EU to help us on this issue?

Let us give more incentives to farmers, both part time and full time. They do not let soil be carried away to sea. Let us catch all the rainwater we can, not let it run into sea. Let it all soak in to replenish our water table. And what about the thousands of boreholes removing water from the water table, and letting seawater enter?

I wish that what happens in this election is for the good of Malta and its people. Be responsible dear citizen. Be fair. Let us all be friends with our natural environment. Let’s not make Nature out of it.

Joe Portelli

NADUR