From Mr J. Portelli

The issue in this election is to stop Mepa from continuing to issue permits to develop outside the development zones! Isn’t it ironical, developing outside the development zones? That’s what Mepa is sanctioning, and seems powerless to stop development outside the development zones. Maybe it has a Trojan horse somewhere as it seems to side with the powerful developers.

Mepa gave a permit to develop villas overlooking Ramla Bay and later reversed its decision because the development invaded public land. So this means that if the developer applies for a new permit for his land, he will get it. So maybe he is waiting till after the election.

Did Mepa do something about the infamous racetrack in Gozo?

Did Mepa do something about the hard stone quarry almost reaching the sea between Dahlet Qorrot and Hondoq ir-Rummien?

What is it going to do about Hondoq ir-Rummien and Ta’ Cenc?

Has Mepa done anything about the three batching plants built illegally in the Xhajma Plain?

What about the then Duke of Edinburgh Hotel? One must be well in to take part of a public garden, open windows and doors into it, move a football ground away, build under the street opened. Incredible Hulk!

Both major political parties criticise Mepa but when they are in power they do not do anything.

They are like eunuchs who see it done every day but are unable to do it.

So you, the floating voters, who always decide who wins the election, vote for those people who in fact can reform Mepa in this regard: a Mepa which stops development outside the development zone and which can reverse the damage already done. Vote for those who have a will to change the Structural Plan. If you don’t stop Mepa you will be guilty of the consequences.

We won’t have anything left if we lose our open spaces and our natural habitat.

Joe Portelli

NADUR