The Mistra Village, once regarded as one of the most attractive holiday complexes on the island was scheduled, until as recently as October last, to be turned into yet another high-rise building development.

Development applications submitted to Mepa had included the construction of towers as high as 19 storeys. Almost another 1,000 surplus units would have been added to the existing 53,000 vacant properties. This unsustainable proposal would have posed very negative effects, not only to the surrounding landscape and flora, but also to the archeological site. Xemxija residents’ quality of life would also have been very adversely affected due to the wind factor, shade, traffic congestion as well as chronic parking problems.

In response to the appeals of concerned residents, Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party took a proactive role by submitting a formal objection to Mepa. In addition, an AD-sponsored petition, signed by over 500 residents, was presented to the EU authorities. As a result of the dedicated perseverance of Prof. Arnold Cassola, the European Commission formally registered a complaint against the Government of Malta and initiated an investigation into the proposed project. I look forward to the day when other political parties follow suit and assume similar roles in defending the EU rights of citizens. For the time being, our hope lays only with Alternattiva Demokratika.

Simon Galea

AD – Green Party candidate

St Paul’s Bay