“Alternattiva Demokratika is asking for the revocation of the Safi supermarket’s permit which was given to it illegally,” said AD chairman Harry Vassallo yesterday at a press conference held close to the construction site.

“The construction of such a supermarket must be within the confines of the Development Zone or the periphery and this project goes against this. The Development Control Commission (Division “A”) placed itself above the law and Mepa’s policies as approved by the government. Although the report we issued yesterday has led to the resignation of the board, the remedy must be a practical one and the construction site should be brought back to its original state at Polidano Brothers’ expense,” said Dr Vassallo.

AD’s main spokesperson for sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo said: “The decision to build a supermarket outside the development zone goes against the local plans that apply for Safi, and they also break the regulations that establish that certain projects require a study on environmental impact.”

AD is satisfied that the members of the Development Control Commission resigned, therefore accepting the responsibility of their actions. “However it is now important that those who appointed them also shoulder their political responsibility. These were appointed by the government, specifically the Prime Minister and the Environment Minister, and the government has an obligation to immediately offer a remedy which annuls the said permit,” added Dr Vassallo.

“Circumstances are showing us that before certain people are appointed, it is essential that their credentials are scrutinised,” said Dr Vassallo.