The Consultative Council for the South, led by Labour MP Silvio Parnis, was “more receptive” to the idea that the government should buy the dilapidated Jerma site in Marsascala to give it back to the public, according to PN councillor Charlot Cassar.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Cassar said that, unlike the Marsascala Local Council, the consultative council did not just shoot down the idea and will be discussing it further in the coming weeks.
The Jerma Palace Hotel, once a thriving hub of activity, now lies in ruins. The site was purchased by brothers Peter and Jeffrey Montebello years ago but no development projects have materialized. The Planning Authority recently issued an enforcement order, ordering the owners to demolish the infamous death-trap and eyesore.
PN Councillor Charlot Cassar
Last week, Mr Cassar moved a motion calling on the Marsascala Local Council to formally write to the Prime Minister and request that the government buy the site and return it to its original and natural state.
The labour-led council shot down the proposal, insisting that Marsascala needs another hotel to attract tourists. Deputy Mayor Desiree Attard backed Mr Cassar’s motion but her opinion was practically ignored when the council came to a vote. The government-friendly media is also trying to push forward the impression that the residents of Marsascala want more development. This comes hot on the heels of last year’s saga on the Sadeen University, which will take up a sizeable chunk of virgin land in Zonqor.
Mr Cassar, the Opposition’s representative on the Consultative Council for the South, has now moved a similar motion in that forum. His motion says that the state should not only consider acquiring the site but, should it do so, protect the land from any future development.
Government MP Silvio Parnis
“There was general agreement with my proposal but some members of the council felt that they need to have more information at hand before deciding on the matter, Mr Cassar told The Malta Independent. “There was some speculation as to whether the land will be auctioned off or not, although to me this is irrelevant as the issue is whether the government is willing to buy the land with the aim of giving it back to the public.”
The PN Councillor, who is also a prominent member of the Front Harsien ODZ group, said the government had the means to acquire the land, which included the expropriation option.
Mr Cassar said he strongly disagreed with an amendment put forward by Chairman Silvio Parnis, which would leave the doors open for development even if the government acquired the site. “Mr Parnis said the government should encourage the Montebellos to come up with a development proposal. If that does not happen it should acquire the site. But, with his proposal, the government would not be precluding any future development, and that could lead to another Sadeen.”
The Jerma site, which will reportedly be auctioned in October, is valued at around €20 million. Asked if this was too high a price for the government to pay, Mr Cassar said this would first and foremost be an improvement of the quality of life of residents. “The price tag is subjective but even if that is the real value that price is insignificant when compared to the benefits of returning this piece of stolen land to the public.”
The PN councillor refuted claims that the majority of residents wanted a hotel instead of an open space. “My proposal was inspired by house visits and other feedback that I receive from the people of Marsascala. What this town needs is a proper touristic product, not another hotel. If we clear up the site it will return the magnificent St Thomas tower to its former glory. That could be marketed as part of the country’s tourism package. We have to give tourists a proper reason to visit us, not more construction sites. This is a one-time opportunity,” he said.
He similarly refuted claims that Marsascala was a ‘dying’ locality. “The population boom continued even after the Jerma closed. Many shops and restaurants opened after the Jerma closed its doors. It is ironic that on the same day the Mayor said that the locality was dead we (the local council) had to approve a request by a restaurant to take up part of a children’s playground so that it could fit more tables and chairs.”
In comments to this paper, Mr Parnis confirmed that the consultative council had agreed to leave all options open. “Our main priority is to see the situation at the Jerma site improved. We believe that any form of development has to be sustainable. If this cannot be the case then something needs to be done.”
He also added that the council had to have all the relevant information in hand before moving forward on the matter.