I would like to voice my concerns about the proposal to establish the American University of Malta at Marsascala.

Let me start by saying that I do agree with the principal of sustainable development in the south of Malta, which has been neglected, by introducing projects such as this one. The idea of a new university and the possible generation of job opportunities for Maltese people are to be applauded. However, there still dwell concerns about it in my head, primarily the location which has been chosen as the proposed site for development.

I feel very strongly that choosing the Zonqor area for such a development is not a sustainable decision from an environmental point of view, more so when considering what little remains of untouched land we have on our island compared with the vast amount of sites available for regeneration. To me, this seems to have been a choice that has been taken without thorough evaluation based on underlying factors that are known to the public. SmartCity is a sufficiently clear example of how the utilisation of prime virgin land in the South has not generated the anticipated benefits. I sincerely believe that the Zonqor area should be developed into a natural park in conjunction with available agricultural land for the Maltese people.

On another note, I believe that a lot can be done with sites that need to be redeveloped. I have given a lot of thought to places in the South that could be restored and used for developments such as this one, some of which have already been suggested by others:

1.                Marsa Power Station

2.                Ship Building

3.                Fort Ricasoli

What worries me is hearing that this development has to take place immediately. This is capped by the fact that, in my humble opinion, €120,000,000 is not a good price for such a vast piece of land of undisputed beauty. Will this land become the property of the investor? Or is he only allowed the use of the land? If the university fails to be a success, what will happen to the buildings? Why the big rush for such a sensitive development? I tend to dread decisions taken hastily. What I feel the government should do is exert pressure on administrative systems to hasten the decommissioning process of the Power Station, Ship Building, etc to ensure that these areas are ready for redevelopment.

Taking Marsa Power Station as an example, the whole area can be changed into a university city in itself, rather than remaining a socially marginalised tract of land. Investment opportunities should be seen as tools through which marginalised areas are given a new lease of life rather than a medium through which pristine areas are exploited. The incorporation of the Ship Building in the same project would create the necessary impetus for the regeneration of a substantial area. Doubtlessly, this could also create spill-over benefits for private projects in the area (such as Paola Towers) that have not generated the expected benefits. Fort Ricasoli is also a possible option, though I tend to feel that such a beautiful place should be used for something that the general public can enjoy.

The ex-Jerma Palace Hotel is also a site that has substantial potential especially when it is seen in conjunction with the adjacent tower which has significant potential for cultural activities that can attract whole families. I feel Marsascala should retain its own character. Imposing a university in this village does not feel right.

I truly believe the whole South of Malta should benefit from different projects and this can be done. I might not be very familiar with politics and how things work but I truly hope that those that can make a change with their decisions would take note of my humble thoughts and concerns.

Caroline Caruana

Marsascala