The Labour Party is saying that the Leader of the Opposition, Simon Busuttil, wants to build on ODZ land so as to expand the Freeport.

In a statement, the PL said that by saying that the Freeport should expand, the PN leader wants to increase the inconvenience which the people of the south already have to face.

"This is the same Simon Busuttil who was an integral part of the government which put powerstation's, waste implants and drainage facility in the southern part of the island. For the previous administration, the residents of the south were second class citizens."

The PL statement says that on the other hand, the government worked on projects which help give dignity to this zone. "We have closed down the Marsa powerstation, opened a waterpolo pitch and a football ground in BIrzebbugia and have the Marsaxlokk regeneration project in the pipeline."

"While Simon Busuttil does not care about the south, this government is committed to improve the quality of life for all Maltese citizens," it concludes.

PN replies

In response, the PN said that Prime Minister Muscat's attack against the Freeport and its workers is synonymous of politicians who are cut off from the reality of Maltese families.

"Dr Muscat will bring a gas tanker to the residents of the South of Malta, which he is so pleased with that he is personally going to Singapore with his Chief of Staff Keith Schembri and Minister Konrad Mizzi, to see it. It will be stationed just a few kilometres away from the homes of many families".

"To the contrary, the PN had left a waterfront which generates the local economy, new schools, a sports complex and sports facilities and family parks behind, for families who live down South".

"As for the Freeport, the PN believes that it has been successful, and as such success should not be  abruptly halted just because Muscat decided like that. Hundreds of families depend on the Freeport".

"PN economic policy is built on an economy for the people, through the creation of jobs with good wages in important sectors, such as logistics and distribution. Through his attack on the Freeport workers, the Prime Minister confirmed that, together with his click, are the political elite in Malta".