MEPA is certainly marshalling all possible heavy weaponry to defend its untenable position in respect of the scandalous approval of the commercial project at Ramla l-Hamra.
This time it is even resorting to shameless propaganda, not only exploiting the “one World” box in The Times (“Ulysses Lodge Redevelopment – the Facts”, 16 July), but also wasting hard-earned taxes on a paid Internet spot as well as a regular paid radio programme, which passes off as a normal talk-show.
In this way MEPA is trying to confuse the public with technicalities in an attempt to inject some respectability into what can only be called environmental vandalism.
The tactic used here is better known in simple jargon as “baffle them with bull**** ”. It is about time MEPA realises that Maltese society has become more mature and that this kind of thing does not work any more. MEPA can be reassured that the public does not give a fig about obscure bureaucratic details for what is deceptively referred to as “Re-development of a fully licensed commercial complex”, which, most importantly, is a project that is not an essential development and yet has been accommodated outside the Development Zone.
If we “let the facts speak”, as this pathetic MEPA advert announces, the bottom line is this: while this project has provoked unprecedented public outrage, not one person other than MEPA and the developers have spoken in its favour.
Even the Minister of the Environment has voiced some doubt over the project, while in the space of just a few days, 6,800 have signed a petition against the project, which is fiercely opposed by the local residents, the local council, non-governmental organisations, a large section of the Maltese public and the Church and yet all are ignored.
Maybe the MEPA chairman and the Minister for the Environment can explain to readers why the interests of the local residents and the Maltese public, not to mention those of our tourist industry, are not taken into account when making these decisions.
The people are opposed to this and other similar developments planned for Hondoq ir-Rummien and ta’ Cenc, as well as other objectionable projects at Nadur, Xewkija and even Ghajn Tuffieha because they are fed up with seeing their heritage being systematically destroyed before their eyes in the pursuit of profit. It has become a case of the protector becoming the plunderer.
We call on the public to make their voice heard even further at a national Save Gozo Protest to be held tomorrow at 6.30pm at City Gate Valletta.
It is time for us to stand up and be counted to stop the rape of our landscapes, the rape of our country.
Ms Vella is the Coordinator of FAA.