Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party chairperson Harry Vassallo said that the extension of development boundaries being proposed by the government must be fully justified and in every detail.

“Malta is already Europe’s most overdeveloped country and any change for the worse must be explained. The consultation period is far too short for a proposal of this magnitude. The whole country is a stakeholder and should be afforded ample opportunity to comment on changes that will change the Maltese landscape for all future time,” Dr Vassallo said.

“The proposal comes like a bolt from the blue and in anticipation of the results of the publication of the 2005 census which will provide full data on housing vacancy and availability,” Dr Vassallo continued.

“The publication of two sets of maps showing applications made for extension and the actual extensions approved by cabinet have caused confusion, alarm and an underestimation of the actual damage proposed,” Dr Vassallo said.

“NGOs and civil society organisations, already swamped in dealing with the vast amount of planning applications all over the country, have now to deal with many dozens of separate issues all at once. This is not a single development proposal but a huge variety stretching the capacities of all stakeholders. The consultation period must be significantly extended if it is to be worth of the name,” Dr Vassallo said.

“Not all people have access to the internet and hardcopy plans must be made available to the public and a series of consultation meetings organised by Mepa,” Dr Vassallo added.

“Rather than comment immediately on the specific issues raised in the extension proposal, the Green Party’s Environment Committee has undertaken to file its submissions in the greatest possible detail to Mepa and will be contacting residents in the affected zones to make them aware of what is being proposed,” Dr Vassallo said.

“The Green Party has set up a special task force to deal with enquiries from the public and to coordinate action with NGOs. Its secretariat is available until 31 May during office hours on 2131-4037 and 2131-4039 as well as by e-mail at info@alternattiva. org.mt or [email protected] and by mail at 10, Triq Manwel Dimech, Sliema or Alternattiva Demokratika - Ghawdex, PO Box 6, Victoria, Gozo and through our websites: www.alternattiva.org. mt and www.adgozo.com,” Dr Vassallo said.