Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today called on NGOs and individuals to submit “serious and studied” alternatives for a University in the south.

Addressing a political activity in Marsascala, Dr Muscat said his only requirement for an alternative site is for it to be located in the south.

He called on individuals to “help” the government in identifying such a site, and promised that all “serious” proposals will be scrutinised by MEPA in a transparent manner.

“If there are no such ideas I will not let this project die,” Dr Muscat said to applause.

Explaining the lack of consultation over the proposed site for the University, the Prime Minister said there was nothing to consult about till now as a formal contract with the investor has not been signed.

At this point, all that has been signed is a heads of agreement, he explained.

“There was no time to consult before as it was all up in the air. A heads of agreement has now been signed and we are saying we are ready to listen to alternatives,” Dr Muscat said.

Explaining the current site choice, the Prime Minister said environmental concerns are being taken into consideration, as the building in question will be a maximum three storey height, meaning that no one’s view will be ruined.

He said the coastline will not be touched and a new national park will be part of the project. Farmers’ land falling in the park will not be taken away from them, he said.

Dr Muscat said serious imbalances exist between the north and the south, and all the polluting projects are sent to the south.

Hitting out at the previous government, Dr Muscat said if the south is good enough for a recycling plant, it is good enough for a university.

If others gave you rubbish, we will bring your wealth, he said.

He promised that the University of Malta will not suffer as a result of the new project.

“A foreign investor investing his money in the university means government money will continue to go to the UoM. UoM will not be denied a single cent."

He said Malta cannot continue to be the only country in Europe with a monopoly in tertiary education.

 “I understand that people are genuinely worried about the project, our job is to speak to all those who want to speak. We are ready to listen and change in order to improve things. “

“Do we agree with a new university investing in the country,” questioned, receiving cries of ‘yes, yes’ from the crowd in response.  

The Prime Minister was unimpressed by the three alternative sites proposed by the Opposition.  He said two of the proposed sites are not in the south, and the third site, instead of the Birzebbuga gas tanks, is not viable in the given timelines.

At present, the only developments considered in Outside Development Zones (ODZ) are for education and health.

If health and education are excluded from such zones, then it would be a big policy change for the country, he said, leaving little room for manoeuvre.

By way of example, the Prime Minister said a number of schools were built in ODZs in the past, and there is an application for two church schools in Ghaxaq. 

Photos Jonathan Borg