Parliamentary Secretary Michael Farrugia announced the government issued an international call for expression of interest for land reclamation, but did not outline particular zones being eyed for such projects.

"It will be up to the private sector to present innovative proposals on projects which will in turn be assessed by the Lands Department on feasibility criteria," he said.

However, he pointed out that the government is pre-notifying interested parties which zones could pose difficulties and ones which are more advisable to be earmarked for land reclamation.

Interested parties have till 6 September at noon to submit their proposals.

Land reclamation is the process of creating new land from the ocean, riverbeds, or lakes.

Asked by this portal why the government still decided to go ahead with its land reclamation plans and issue its call when so many properties sat vacant, and despite the fact that for instance, the former White Rocks Complex left abandoned for years should be considered by government as an option, Dr Farrugia replied saying that the former complex is under the government's lens, however added that the projects tied to land reclamation are separate projects.

He pointed out that those submitting their proposals are being given three options: either to present proposals tied to foreshore projects, land reclamation or the creation of an artificial island.

Dr Farrugia said that the government won’t simply be limiting itself to residential projects but is open to innovative proposals as a long as they are feasible.

He said that the government will not commit itself to giving the green light to projects proposed by interested parties.

“Our scope is different to the kind of land reclamation in San Marino for instance, where there’s a problem of residences on land and therefore the Principality opted for land reclamation.

“We want a mix of projects forwarded, not simply ones tied to residential buildings; the government is giving the free hand to the private sector to present its proposals without us indicating where we would like to go on this issue.

“Obviously, we are pre-notifying those interested in land reclamation by advising which certain zones could pose problems, such as zones which lay close by to the interconnector for instance, or zones that host service cables for instance,” he said.

Asked if companies blacklisted by the World Bank will be allowed to participate in the process, he replied in the negative.

"This government is aware of the environmental and economic sensitivity of such projects and the government is committed to adopting high standards in environmental, social, land use planning and sustainable development," he said.

After having received all documents related to the expression of interest, he said that the government’s property department will embark on a request for proposal process to ensure that every development given the green light conform with Malta’s laws and those of the EU beforehand.