From Mr J. Agius

The Ramblers Association of Malta has followed the statements made by Alternattiva Demokratika, David Lindsay’s articles (TMIS, 2 and 9 September), as well as Dr Simon Busuttil’s reaction to them (TMIS, 9 September). As regards the petitions on the Ulysses Lodge, Ramla Bay issue, RAM feels that all these raise a number of doubts and worrying questions. Dr Busuttil has already given a long version of his side but we think he will be happy to put the public’s mind at rest and give some clear answers to a few more questions.

1. Was it an oversight on both his and the government’s part to inform the Commission that the Ramla l-Hamra project had been abandoned and then not inform it that (a) the issue could still be the subject of an appeal with Mepa, (b) that it was in fact appealed against and that (c) Mepa will be hearing that appeal in two weeks’ time, on 28 November? Or was the Commission aware of all this all the time? Or does it mean that Mepa’s decision is of no consequence once the government has declared its position?

“That is not my remit” can hardly be considered a satisfactory answer once Dr Busuttil “vehemently opposed the announcement that the committee would reopen Ramla l-Hamra’s petition insisting that the committee had already examined it in detail” (Ivan Camilleri, ToM, 12 November). “In detail”, yes, but not with complete information.

2. And then, why the vehemence? If we understand Dr Busuttil correctly, both the petitioners and he have the same objective: to block this project! But, hang on! Or have we got it all wrong? Is it that the government and Dr Busuttil are making a stand (following considerable pressure by NGOs) to stop only this particular project, while the environmentalists are dead set against all development here because they consider this area of great scenic beauty and a natural heritage site for all to enjoy?

3. Dr Busuttil tries to reassure us by saying, “If the position changes as a result of judicial proceedings in Malta, then the petitioners remain entitled to present a new petition.” True, but if we are well informed it will be the petitioners who have to start legal proceedings, thus exposing themselves to be liable to financial losses incurred by the developers. Is the government, if it is really against all development here, ready to start the judicial proceedings itself? The government knows too well that NGOs can hardly pay their rent, let alone file lawsuits. Hardly reassuring is it?

Yes, now we do feel that, come 28 November, Mepa has hardly any option but to reject the appeal by the developers. But these have all the time in the world to present another 100 new plans. Unless of course the government declares once and for all that Ramla Bay is a no-development-area. It seems, however, that on this it will be dragging its feet. And, maybe, that is putting it mildly.

Joseph Agius

PRO

Ramblers Association of Malta