My recent letter to The Malta Independent on Sunday expressed my serious worries following the recommendations of the Planning Directorate to the Mepa Board to approve the Portomaso project. My worries were based on the Directorate’s report that rode roughshod over reports from other Mepa departments, such as the LPU and the NHAC, which stated unequivocally that the proposal was unacceptable; The Directorate also failed to report to the Board that the original permits included a condition that no further extensions would be allowed at Portomaso.

The Mepa Board however proved me wrong, and responsibly and carefully looked at the facts, the conditions of the original permits, the overdevelopment that renders St Julian’s always more crowded, and the need to retain this area as the last open lung in Spinola Road, as imposed by the original permits. The Mepa Board turned down the project after a long discussion.

I also correct my position with regard to Dr de Marco and publicly congratulate him that the Mepa reform is now working in the interest of the common people and not in favour of the big developers.

Well done Mepa and Dr de Marco.

Twanny Mifsud