Rock drilling tests in Zonqor Point stopped abruptly after “four men in suits” showed up and spoke to the workers, this newspaper has learnt.

“The workers packed up their things and equipment and left the site soon after the visit,” a source claimed.

Despite our efforts, this newspaper could not verify the identity of the men in suits. The Planning Authority could not confirm whether these men were engaged by any of its sections although it was explained to us that enforcement officers do not usually wear suits for site visits.

On the other hand the Environment and Resources Authority said the men were not ERA employees.

An email sent to the American University of Malta requesting the details of their press officer remains unanswered.

The ‘core-cutting’ tests, first revealed by PN councilor Charlot Cassar, have baffled many, including the Marsascala Local Council.

The latter has managed to receive some sort of unofficial answer on the nature of the drilling from the Office of the Prime Minister but it is still in the dark as to whether these tests are covered by any permits.

The council has written to PA Chairman Vince Cassar. In the meantime the Planning Authority has told another section of the media that such tests do not need to be covered by a planning permit.

Earlier this week the Kamp Emergenza Ambjent activist group said it could resort to direct action in Zonqor if no satisfactory explanation was given. “People should know that, although the contract between Sadeen and government has been signed, building in that area is subject to approval from the Planning Authority. To date, no application for development has been filed with the PA. Thus, it is extremely worrying that core-cutting is happening at Zonqor when Sadeen is definitely not in possession of a development permit.”

The group said people have a right to know whether this is happening with the authorities’ approval or otherwise. “Kamp Emergenza Ambjent shall be considering direct action should such core-cutting continues in Zonqor without any satisfactory explanation provided.”

Front Harsien ODZ has also demanded answers from the Planning Authority. “Government should immediately clarify the matter, and the Planning Authority should immediately state whether such works are covered by a permit. The government should respect the public and be transparent on the situation at Zonqor, which was subject to Malta’s biggest ever environmental protest in 2015,” it added.

Originally the Sadeen group had planned to construct a 90,000 square metre campus in Zonqor, entirely on ODZ land. After a public outcry it announced that the project would be split in two – a smaller campus would be based at the old buildings along Dock 1 in Cospicua and a larger campus measuring 31,000 square meters will be based in Zonqor. It says that only 18,000 square metres of pristine land will be devoured by the project. 

To date no planning applications have been filed for the Zonqor site.