AD said today it appreciated the work government and environmental organisation Nature Trust are undertaking to rehabilitate the Magħluq marshland in Marsaskala. AD candidate for the Marsaskala local council and AD Chairperson were addressing a press conference in Marsaskala today. They said that such cooperation between government and environmental organisations is essential on a host of other environmental issues.

Daniel Desira emphasized that environmental protection is not only intrinsically valuable, it also has a direct impact on the quality of life of residents. He said that he will be vigilant on the abuses connected with the overdevelopment of Marsaskala, in particular the noise and dust resulting from construction. It is essential that there is proper enforcement of regulations during construction. It is patently obvious that enforecement is not high on the government’s agenda.

Lack of enforcement is also felt when it comes to fish farming. The distance of the farms from the shore and the size of the farms is an ongoing issue. The impacts of smells and pollution of the sea by fishfarms should be tackled and controlled. Residents of Marsaskala should be guaranteed a sea which is clean.

Efficient public transport is essential for residents, insisted Daniel Desira. I will work to explore together with the operator of public transport alternative routes so that residents are better served.

Issues with the Sant’Antnin waste plant regarding smells should be tackled immediately. AD is also of the opinion that Local Council offices are located in an alternative site and is against taking up part of Ġnien Sant’Anna for the offices. Open spaces are important and should be protected.

Leader Carmel Cacopardo concluded by emphasizing that Marsascala residents deserve respite from the impacts of overdevelopment. In the past weeks and months we spoke of the issue of the Jerma site and against massive development of the site, proposing a public open space instead. We also spoke of the need to protect historical heritage in Marsaskala. The protection of residents and of ecological and historical heritage are the priorities of Greens in our localities. The quality of life of us all depends on these policies.