Government MP Marlene Farrugia said she was not surprised by PM's reiteration that even if the concept of a split campus is adopted, part of the University is going to be within the limits of Zonqor Point, “because from what I can decipher from the scraps of information I get from the statements and news, the take up of a patch of Zonqor Point land is pivotal for the materialisation of the entire project.”
“Why would the PM be insisting on the absolute necessity of a Zonqor appendage of the University, even before the conclusions and results of the studies and social impact assessments being carried out on other sites, are published. How does he know that alternative sites under consideration do not meet the necessary area required to render the project feasible, without consuming Zonqor land, if the studies are a work in progress? Or to put it differently, why did the PM never let go of the Zonqor University patch even when presented with countless viable alternatives? Methinks that it is possible that some Zonqor land is a prerequisite for the project to happen, though it seems possible that we have progressed from total uglification and destruction of Zonqor to locating a good part of the University in historical Cottonera, at least according to recent leaks.”
Dr Farrugia appealed to the PM to “refrain from steamrolling” over the feelings of Civil society, NGOs, Parliamentarians, and the public at large, and seek an acceptable compromise. “We all want the investment if it is indeed what it is said to be (none of us have seen the agreement). We all want to inject new life in the South, without choking its already shrunken lungs by further concretisation of precious ODZ agricultural land or pristine coastline. None of us want to begrudge our beautiful historical forts, Caraffa stores, Cottonera Lines, Knights' Armoury or any of our architectural gems in the South, of a chance of being restored, brought back to life and put to sustainable use. We all share a dream of seeing Cottonera transformed into a conglomerate of University cities, where intellectuals, artists, students and culture enthusiasts come together to celebrate the layers of history and diversity that characterises this exquisite area.
"Who among us doesn't hope and wish that Cottonera regains its pre-war status as a grand residential area, an inspiration to writers, poets, artists and thinkers in general. An educational institution can be the trigger that spearheads this much needed renaissance with ripple effects that brighten the sustainable future of the whole area.
The bone of contention remains Zonqor Point. ODZ land remains out of the question. Now in that area there is a large expanse of disturbed spoilt land that housed the now abandoned swimming pool. That previously developed area needs sensitive redevelopment anyway. How about getting Sadeen to sensitively and strictly utilise just that site, not, ODZ land, in addition to let's say restoring Caraffa stores in Bormla seafront or reacquiring Fort St.Rocco or San Salvatore? We can only hope, wait and see.”
PM ‘allergic to open spaces’ - PN
Opposition spokesperson on the Environment Marthese Portelli said: “The PM's recent statement that part of the University will still be built at Zonqor proves that the PM has, once again, completely ignored the calls made by the civil society. His statement also proves that any 'consultation process and further studies' that he said his Government would be carrying out, were nothing but a complete sham.
The PM's attitude is very worrying - it shows no respect towards democratic principles and instead of leading by example, we have a hard-headed PM who tramples irresponsibly over civil society. The ‘Gvern li Jisma’ mantra has vanished into thin air. The issue at stake is not only Zonqor but all of Malta's countryside and natural spaces. If one were to analyse the government's attitude, words and actions over the last months, it comes out loud clear that the PM is allergic to open spaces.
As Shadow Minister, I reiterate my position against development at Zonqor and the importance of safeguarding our natural spaces. I pledge to use all the means that I have at my disposal to continue voicing the concerns of civil society whilst hoping that the PM will see the light and common sense prevails.”