The association has pointed out that Il-Maghluq is defined as a special conservation area, being a small saline marshland, protected since 1993, with a brackish pool housing particular salt-tolerant marsh communities and critically endangered protected species, as the Maltese killifish.

It feels that this project will ruin the breathing “lung” of Marsascala and that should the project be approved, the damage will be to the environment and the residents, as well as to businesses in Marsascala.

The land could be used in a manner that would be for the common good of the environment, residents, business and the owners of such land, said the association. However, there should be a consensus between all the parties concerned that no development will ever damage the environment, the natural heritage and the landscape of Marsascala

The association is urging Mepa to refuse the application.

It said it is ready to work hand-in-hand with every individual or organisation that has the common good of Marsascala at heat. The association will help the action committee set up to protect the environment in Marsascala, particularly Il-Maghluq and would like to encourage every organisation that really has Marsascaa at heart to help this committee to protect this area in the common interests of Marsascala.