From Mr R. Bezzina

I refer to L. Pace’s letter entitled “Waterfront development” in which he persists in casting doubts on the proposed Qui-si-Sana development (TMIS, 12 December).

First of all, Mr Pace is invited to substantiate his allegation that “underhand dealing” has been going on in the proposed development. Failing this, Mr Pace will be confirming that his only aim is to cast doubts and make allegations intended only to confuse the whole issue.

One must keep in mind that this was a transparent process that included a six-week public consultation period. During this public consultation period, the proposed development brief was also sent to all residents in the Tigne’ peninsula for their comments. Copies of the development brief were also available from the Sliema local council, MEPA offices and website.

It is very clear that Mr Pace failed to mention various important points in the development brief that was approved by the former Planning Authority in March 2002. This development brief clearly proposes the increase in the footprint of the existing garden in such a way that the new garden space will also incorporate the spaces that are currently used as a car park on both sides of the present garden, thus increasing the garden area by almost 1800 square metres. I am confident that Mr Pace also agrees that this will be a positive measure for the residents and the general public.

If Mr Pace had read the development brief thoroughly, he would have realised that this brief also includes the proposal for a Residents’ Parking Zone, which will also be subject to a public consultation process.

Mr Pace should also be aware that the government will ensure that MEPA follows the approved development brief conditions when assessing and deciding on the project. The government will not accept anything that goes against the approved development brief.

Ray Bezzina

Communications Co-ordinator

Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment