All Labour MPs, with the exception of Marlene Farrugia, ignored a question sent to them by Front Harsien ODZ on whether they agree with the development of a University at Zonqor Point.

All Nationalist MPs said that they were against.

The Front Harsien ODZ sent two questions, via the Clerk of the House, the first asking MPs whether they agreed with the development of a university at Zonqor. The second question was whether they agreed with development in ODZ land in general.

The replies were sent en bloc by the two whips, Godfrey Farrugia for Labour and David Agius for the PN.

Labour MPs ignored the first question completely, except for Marlene Farrugia who said she is against the development of the university at Zonqor. The PL Parliamentary Group however replied to the second question, saying that ideally, development should not take place in an ODZ area. The wording of the reply was the exact same wording found in the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development (SPED).

The reply read  “In preparing policies, plans and programmes the use of vacant land outside development zones is to be considered only when no other feasible alternatives exist, in a sequential manner after firstly seeking reuse of existing developed land and buildings through change of use, to redevelop existing developed land and buildings, and to develop areas within development zones. This with a view to ensure the sustainable use of land and sea resources depending on the efficient use of available space,”

The front’s chairperson, Michael Briguglio, said that it is concerning that despite the outrage against Zonqor, PL MPS chose to ignore the question sent to them, adding that the question was more than clear.

Spokesperson James Debono said that there is an evident loophole in SPED that allows ODZ to be developed. “Who gets do decide what is feasible or not if the opinion of experts is left out?” he questioned.

The reply of PN MPs said “the Parliamentary Group opposes the development at Zonqor as has been made amply clear in the Opposition’s public announcements and activities held over the past weeks.”

The Front will be holding a protest against the development at Zonqor on Saturday, for which the Leader of the Opposition is expected to attend. On Times Talk yesterday, Labour whip Godfrey Farrugia announced that he will also be attending the protest, however his position against Zonqor’s development was not made clear in the reply sent to Front Harsien ODZ.

 

Alternattiva Demokratika and Alleanza Bidla have also stated their position against the development.