A large crowd gathered at Dingli Circus in Sliema protesting against the rampant abuse, and over development in various localities in Malta. The protest, themed 'Sliema Under Siege', calls on the authorities to put an end to 'the rampant overdevelopment, lack of planning, lack of consideration for residents' health and well-being and the ruination of the architectural and historical heritage' of Sliema.

The protest was organised by environmental NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar with the support of the Local Council. 

A number of politicians, including independent MP Marlene Farrugia, PN MPs Robert Arrigo, Kristy Debono and Karl Gouder and AD Chairperson Arnold Cassola attended the event. The sizeable crowd carried various placards showing PA CEO Johann Buttigieg with words like "The Saint of the Environment" and "No conflict of interest?" written on them. 

Members of other environmental groups like Ramblers and Friends of the Earth also attended the event.

Addressing the crowd, PN Local Councillor Paul Radmilli referred to an analysis which reveals how the Planning Authority had a staggering 177 notifications for development in Sliema alone over a period of three weeks. He lambasted the lack of action by the Environmental and Resources Authority (ERA) for the lack of presence at important hearings. "The government promised us that the ERA will serve as an environment watchdog, but how can you be a watch dog if you don't attend the hearings?"

Sliema Local Councillor Michael Briguglio said there were valuable people at the Planning Authority, but for some reason the government chooses to leave them at the side-line instead of using their talent. He thanked everyone for attending the protest and encouraged the public to voice its concern. "This is a government of vox-pops. When we stand together, the authorities take notice."

Addressing the crowd, Architect Edward Said said that Sliema has a lot of heritage value and the authorities should do their best to protect it. He said that those who say that Sliema is a lost cause, are either ignorant, or have a clear vested interest. 

In the meantime the organisers announced that they had invited Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Environment Minister Jose Herrera and Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Deborah Schembri to a walkabout in Sliema, to see the situation with their own eyes.

Dr Muscat has accepted the invitation, although a date has not been set yet. 

Speaking to The Malta Independent yesterday, FAA President Astrid Vella said that this overdevelopment is not only effecting Sliema, but other localities like Swieqi and St Julian's. "We are protesting against these cowboys who do what they want and don't care about the authorities. What's worse is that the police are doing nothing." 

Pictures: Michael Camilleri