Minister Censu Galea, together with Marc Bonello and Oscar Borg, chairman and chief executive officer of the Malta Maritime Authority (MMA) respectively, yesterday met with the Malta Environmental and Palanning Authority (Mepa) to discuss the proposed yacht marina project. Mepa was represented by Andrew Calleja, chairman, Godwin Cassar, director general and Christopher Borg, director for development planning.

During the meeting various issues pertinent to the project were discussed before an official application is submitted to Mepa. This was done within the context of a report which had been commissioned by the Planning Authority, which had identified Xemxija Bay as a potential site for the development of a yacht marina in the northern area of Malta.

For this purpose a working group has been set up between the MMA and Mepa, enabling coordination on relevant issues and to ensure that the area retrieves the best social and economic benefits from the project.

This project has been identified by the government due to the high demand for yacht marinas berths, both by locals and foreigners visiting the country, the latter giving an added value to the tourism market.

The development of a yacht marina in the northern area, besides being a new attraction for boat and yacht owners, will be equipped with modern facilities for their use and will be an additional contribution to the country’s economy.

Moreover this development will be also positively affecting an economic and social regeneration within the area.