Front Ħarsien ODZ today reiterated its opposition against the development of   a shooting range at il-Busbesija in Mosta which will occupy land the  size of 14 football pitches and fully supports  Mosta residents who   have set up a new organization called - Mostin u Ħbieb Kontra  Shooting Range.

Front Ħarsien ODZ expressed its concern that the enormous shooting range covering an area of 14 football pitches is being proposed 300  metres away from the Mosta boys secondary school close to residents, a  retreat house and public roads.

The area which is outside development zone (ODZ) is an area of high  landscape value as designated in the Central Local Plan, said the Front.

Front Ħarsien ODZ described the government's decision to allocate this land to a group of Russian entrepreneurs as an example of how the common good is being sacrificed for private profit making interests.

Front Ħarsien ODZ also noted that the area of the huts which the government intends to allocate to U Group following an expression of interest only  covers around 5000m2 while that of the whole complex of shooting ranges including the huts covers an area of over 70,000 m2,  that is 14 times more than the area covered by the huts.

"The government should immediately reverse its decision to allocate this area to U Group as this is clearly prejudicing MEPA's future decisions."

Moreover, Front Ħarsien ODZ called on government to consult the public on the use of the public land which it wants to allocate to private interests.

"It is clear that local communities have more important educational and cultural needs than a shooting range." The Front described the scale of any such development as unsustainable  

in a small country like Malta. Front Harsien ODZ also called on the Mosta local council to declare its position on the proposed development.

"Local councils have a duty to declare their position on issues which have a direct impact on our environment and local communities."