The American University of Malta should be sited in Fort St Leonard, which lies between Xghajra and Zonqor or at the former Jerma Palace Hotel and the adjacent St Thomas Tower, according to Lino Bugeja, the honorary president of Ramblers Malta. Mr Bugeja, a Marsascala resident, insisted that ODZ land should not be touched for any reason.

The Malta Independent contacted Mr Bugeja after it was pointed out to us that the usually vociferous environmentalist had seemingly taken a step back in the Zonqor university saga. When we contacted Mr Bugeja, however, he was very willing to share his views on the project.

Pointing out that he has recently written about the Zonqor saga in a section of the media, Mr Bugeja said the “outrageous opposition” to the project by members of both political parties and society in general indicates that the Maltese have become very conscious about the environment. The recent hunting referendum also pointed towards this fact, he said. Things have changed since the time when we accepted the exceptions to build educational institutions on ODZ land, including when pristine land in the middle of the Mgarr countryside was taken up to build schools. In his letter, penned a few weeks ago, Mr Bugeja had also spoken against the “concrete jungle” of Smart City, the proliferation of extensive villas on ODZ and the introduction of the rationalisation scheme.

Mr Bugeja said he had proposed building the new university in Fort St Leonard, part of which is today used as a cow farm, or the Jerma Hotel. St Thomas tower could be used to house research facilities, like the St Lucian Tower in Birzebbuga is used for aquaculture studies.

‘It never crossed my mind to build on Zonqor ODZ land’

Mr Bugeja owns a piece of land in Zonqor. He and three others bought two tumuli in the area known as Tal-Isqof in 1968, splitting ownership between them. In the past he was accused of buying the land with the intention of developing it as the contract, seen by this paper, lists the lease price before and after the issuing of building permits.

Mr Bugeja denied buying the land with the intention of developing it, insisting that he has co-owned the land for more than 40 years and never applied for a development permit - a fact which can be confirmed on the MEPA website. “I have never applied for a development permit and I never will,” he insisted. “I own a quarter of a piece of land measuring roughly two tumuli. It never even crossed my mind to apply for a development permit, so much so that I recommended other locations for the university project. Farmers are allowed to till the land to this very day.”

Mr Bugeja said the land he owns is not close to the area earmarked for the Jordanian university. He was never approached by anyone interested in buying or developing it. 

 

A heritage trail from Zonqor to Xghajra

The environmentalist said the Zonqor area needs to be looked after as parts of it have been used by some as rubbish dumps. “The area should be well looked after and not left to deteriorate as an excuse to build roads or other developments.” 

The area, he said, might have been cleaned up recently because of the political activities held there but, until a couple of months ago, parts of it were still used for dumping.

Mr Bugeja said the area leading from the Marsascala swimming pool to Xghajra could be turned into a heritage trail, allowing walkers to enjoy the beautiful coastline in the area. This would help boost eco-tourism in the Marsascala area.