Front Harsien ODZ said today it is opposed to any land reclamation projects carried out for real estate and speculation.

It is therefore against plans for the construction of apartments in both the Jerma site as proposed in recent application and at the Portomaso site in Paceville as proposed in a draft national master plan.

With regards to the proposed land reclamation at Portomaso, the Front insisted in a statement that any reference to land reclamation should be removed from the master plan.

"It is bewildering that such a proposal is even made in view of the fact that the land reclamation will be adjacent to a Marine Protected Area and that  developers had already been fined EUR 120,000 for works which resulted in the degradation of the protected posidonia meadows which are found along the coast.  The coastal zone also includes the protected Qaliet wetland.  Moreover increasing construction activity opposite a popular swimming zone is a non starter.  We expect master plans to contain development rather than doing everything possible to increase space for development even on the sea."

The Front also noted that the master plan is proposing buildings higher than the Preluna on reclaimed land from the sea.

With regards to the proposed land reclamation at Jerma, the Front is calling on the Government Property Division not to issue its clearance for development on land reclaimed from the sea, which falls under public ownership.

"The development of luxury apartments on land reclaimed from the sea will simply extend the boundaries for the construction industry while introducing more development along the coast to the detriment of those using it now."

The Front expressed satisfaction that Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil has made a clear declaration that he is opposed to land reclamation for speculation purposes.  We also welcome similar declarations by St Julians Deputy Mayor Albert Buttigieg and AD chairperson Arnold Cassola.

"We urge civil society, political parties and local councils to unite against the greed of developers and to send a strong message that after ruining the country by development on land they should not be allowed to ruin the coast and the sea."

The Front will be participating in the meeting of parliament's Environment and Development Planning Committee which is convened this evening to discuss the master plan for Paceville.