Prime Minister and Nationalist Party leader Lawrence Gonzi yesterday pledged stiff enforcement measures to be taken against illegal developments if re-elected and with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority being placed under his wing.
Now that pubic finances have been harnessed, Dr Gonzi said, “we will be able to turn all our energies to the issue of sustainable development.”
Among the reform’s top priorities is a distinct strengthening of enforcement actions, which are currently perceived as being somewhat thin on the ground.
Speaking at a party dialogue meeting in Msida yesterday evening, Dr Gonzi addressed the electoral pledge that a full reform of the authority over the next legislature would be carried out and that the exercise would fall under the direct responsibility of the prime minister.
As matters currently stand, the developers of illegal structures are able to drag enforcement actions against them on for years as they appeal enforcement notice after enforcement notice. The situation has time and time again scuttled proper enforcement action by the authority.
The state of affairs, Dr Gonzi said, would change under the next legislature to a procedure in which illegal developments would first be demolished, after which further steps would then be taken.
The measure, he said, has been drawn up and is ready to be implemented within weeks.
Similar enforcement clampdowns, he said, would also apply to building sites – in line with the recent regulations published on the subject – so such sites no longer impinge on the quality of life of nearby residents and so that all contractors pay full respect to health and safety regulations.
Dr Gonzi was interviewed last night by television personality Eileen Montesin.
All the country’s anti-corruption measures would be strengthened, while the awaited Freedom of Information Act would also be published.
Questioned about the health sector, Dr Gonzi pledged that public health services would remain free of charge.
Dr Gonzi also remarked how the last PN administration had begun the last legislature with St Luke’s Hospital, Maghtab and the Maltese lira, and had closed the legislature with Mater Dei, trees growing on Maghtab and with the euro in the people’s pockets.
These, he said, were shining examples of how the PN had transformed the country under its last tenure, adding that if the country makes the right decision on 8 March, the country would continue in its transformation.
Addressing the issue of disaffected voters contemplating not voting in the upcoming general election, Dr Gonzi appealed to them to “use your vote to make a difference”.
“Your vote is important, consider all the issues. Listen well to what the parties are saying and I am convinced the Maltese people will make the right choice for the country.”