PN Marsascala local councillor Charlot Cassar has reiterated his call for a Parliamentary motion to be filed in order for Zonqor land to be taken back from the Sadeen group. 

In a Facebook post, Charlot Cassar suggests that a government MP file a motion, seconded by an Opposition MP, asking Parliament to take the land destined to form part of the American University of Malta (AUM) campus and give it back to the people, adding that he is sure such a decision would see public support.

The Zonqor saga has been a major environment-related controversy over the past six years. The original plan was to see a larger part of Zonqor taken up by AUM, however following protests and public outcry, the AUM campus was split, with part going to the Dock 1 site in Cospicua. Critics however still argue that no part of Zonqor should be taken up by this project.

Recent news regarding low student numbers at the University re-ignited concerns. Reports read that the university had less than 15 students. American University of Malta Provost John Ryder was previously contacted by this newspaper about such reports, and said that there are more than 15 students attending the fledgling university, but he did not reveal the number despite being specifically asked the question.

Recent reports also read that the university has cut student projection numbers.

Contacted by this newsroom after his Facebook post, Charlot Cassar said that his post not only calls for such a motion due to the low student numbers, but also because "the decision to give Zonqor (ODZ public land) was wrong, but now the government has the opportunity to reverse his decision."

He said that "the decision to build on Zonqor was wrong and it remains wrong even if the numbers are high."

This is not the first time Cassar has called for the land to be returned. In November, Cassar had posted another Facebook post stating that he believes a motion calling for the Dock 1 site and Zonqor to be returned to the people should be filed in Parliament.