The new mega construction investment proposal by the Sadeen Group,on a 90,000 square metresstretch of agriculture land in Marsascalabrought about different reactions. So many questions are begging for answers.
While foreign direct investment is welcomed, greatly appreciated and valued, this should not be at the expense of current and future generations. Unfortunately, the PL has sold our national identity and now is moving to sell our pristine land.
Much as FDI is important for economic growth, social cohesion and improved quality of life, putting under pressure our environment and eroding the limited open spaces available should not be an option to attract new investment.
We learned that De Paul University of Chicago will be drafting the curriculum but so far nothing has been concluded. If this fails to go through Malta would be left with a massive building suitable for any other business activity but not a university.
Competition brings about new challenges and new opportunities. A new university will break tertiary education monopoly for good. Other educational private institutions have already established themselves in the market and co-exist with public institutions. Protectionism has proved to be deficient in many ways. The survival of the fittest is in the best interest of the consumer, in this casetertiary education.
Together with others, with trumpet blasts, Premier Dr Joseph Muscat announced this mega American university project on a large stretch of landmarked in anOutside Development Zone (ODZ).Once again, Premier Muscat, without much success is trying to persuade people that he is the environment champion.
Strangely enough, but true, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) entrusted to take care of the environment proposed the development of a university on a land in an outside development zone. Whether MEPA has commissioned any independent feasibility study and/or an environmental impact assessment is not in the public domain.
Notwithstanding, this mega projects falls directly under the responsibility of Mr Leo Brincat, Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change, and Mr Roderick Galdes, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rightshowever, both are conspicuous by their absence.
Cornered and concerned by the growing strong public opinionagainst the project on virgin land Prime Minister Muscat succumbed to pressure and shifted his responsibility and called on others to find him another alternative site for the university.
Archbishop, Charles J. Scicluna, tweeted “Please prevent the rape of pristine land in Marsascala” Rightly so Archbishop Scicluna expressed his genuine concerns about our environment. In a short sentence, he left no room for interpretation. Hemade his stand very clear.
Likewise, in a bold public statement Dr Marlene Farrugia, PL MP expressed her position. She unequivocally stated that she would not support a parliamentary resolution to hand agricultural land to investors to build a university in the south of Malta.
Undemocratically, Dr Luciano Busuttil PL MP passed a snide remark at Dr Marlene Farrugia on Facebook inviting her to leave the PL Parliamentary Group for making bold statements against the project in an ODZ.
Our society is in dire need of people who can speak their mind without fear or favour.Had this not been the case future generations would have the right to label our generation with the worst forms of insulting adjectives.
Politicians have the duty to make everything in their power to ensure that decisions are made after consultations are properly conducted and impact assessmentsby professional independent bodies are drawn up. Sustainable development is more than a catch-phrase.
Leaders of all organisations,particularly those in the political arena should stop delivering speeches from the throne on Sundays and for a change give the microphone to the people. Politicians, like the rest of us, do not enjoy the divine right of infallibility while followers should start asking pertinent questions and stop towing the party line blindfolded.
In a small democratic society like ours people, should be encouraged to contribute and participate effectively without fear or favour. If you turn the blind eye, huge earth moving equipment and machinery will move in and bulldoze the tranquillity and serene open spaces at Zonqor Point.
You got the power though, at times you got to fight for your rights!
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