Alternattiva Demokratika expressed its concern yesterday at the way both the government and MEPA are treating the Sliema / St Julian’s area.

AD’s chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo said, “It seems the government and MEPA have forgotten that this area is inhabited by people who would like to be able to enjoy their neighbourhood free from endless development and construction work. Rather than safeguarding the people’s interests, it is obvious that the construction industry will always take preference with these two state institutions.”

Dr Vassallo added, “The change in policy to allow high rise projects in an already congested and densely populated area is nothing but legitimisation of violence. Already three mega projects are planned for this area: Fort Cambridge, Town Square and Penderplace: and quite frankly, these are three projects too many.”

“Why is MEPA opting for high rise when the land made available for housing by the Temporary Provisions Scheme of 1988 is enough to meet twice the cumulative demand (at current rates) by 2020?” Dr Vassallo asked.

“When these approvals are granted, is the quality of life of residents, who will have to endure years of vibrations, dust, the toing and froing of heavy vehicles, being taken care of? It is evident that the cumulative impact of these projects on traffic and hence on air quality, the drainage system, electricity generation has not been sufficiently studied.”

Dr Vassallo finally announced that AD will be looking at the possibility of complaining to the European Commission about a breach of the SEA directive.