Marsascala Mayor Mario Calleja said that the majority of environmentalists are PN supporters, when questioned about the American University of Malta and objections made in this regard.

He was being interviewed by The Malta Independent. Pressed on his statement, Mayor Calleja explained that the Prime Minister gave the environmentalists a chance, and heard them out. He said that an alternative was found, referring to the reduced site on Zonqor and part of the campus moving to Dock 1 in Cospicua.

 “But I’m telling you, many environmentalists were either compelled or pressured to do what they can to ensure this project does not occur.”

“I know it’s quite a statement, and maybe I was too blunt. Those people who protested that day came with coaches from Mellieha, from Gozo  and other places, not knowing where Zonqor is. Many people don’t know where it is. They are complaining about something that they do not know what it offers. So for me, a resident, wouldn’t I prefer that an area full of dead animals and rubbish be refurbished into a national park, and for us to have it embellished well? The Mwadar national park is positive and it will attract people from all over Malta. We want that whatever be done, be done for the community.”

The AUM project is one of the most controversial projects this legislature receiving government’s seal of approval, just as controversial as the whole Electrogas and Shanghai Electric deals. It caused such an outrage that a number of protests were called, and the project’s land take-up on Zonqor had to be reduced.  The Mayor stressed that his decision to be in favour of the project came only after his mind was put at ease that the public pedestrian passage remain open, that no farmers making their livelihood from fields there would be affected, and that views would not be destroyed.