Environmentalist Astrid Vella this evening accused the government of not listening to what people are saying on the environment, claiming that the majority are fed up with over-development. Ms Vella caused a stir during tonight's ‘Gvern li jisma’ meeting in Pembroke that was addressed by Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Michael Farrugia.

The Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar Coordinator stood up and shouted; “how can you claim to be a government that listens when you are ignoring the people?” She claimed that over-development was leading to health issues and this was backed up by scientific studies.

Ms Vella was booed by some of the meeting attendees and was cautioned by presenter John Bundy, who asked her to sit down and ask questions rather than make statements.

The environmentalist’s remarks also prompted a reply by Malta Developers Association President Sandro Chetcuti, who said that, to the contrary of what Ms Vella had said an “absolute majority” had voted in favour of a pro-business government. He said that Ms Vella had made a sweeping statement that was incorrect. Mr Chetcuti argued that developers have important roles in various sectors, including tourism. “It is true that MEPA had become sick but one cannot expect it to get better in a few weeks. The MDA is against abuse but this does not mean that the country should not be pro-business.” He also insisted that the association had been asking for meetings with AD but was not given a reply.

In reply to Ms Vella’s comments, Dr Farrugia said that it is true that there are many disused buildings and this problem should be addressed. “There may be bad policies. But that is precisely why I am here: to get rid of them,” he said to applause. The Parliamentary Secretary also insisted that the PL government had clearly shown that it was not afraid to act and enforce environmental policies. “I will not accept more illegalities in ODZ sites. It is also not acceptable for people who live in glass houses to throw stones. Some of MEPA’s most vociferous critics are the same people who benefited from special permits,” he said, pointing out that he was in no way referring to Ms Vella.