Partit Demokratiku today called on government to re-think its decision, which was taken in 2015, to grant a lease of three open public spaces at Cottonera to AUM.

In a press conference on 22March, PD had revealed and expressed its concern that AUM had submitted an application to PA for the building of a 5 storey students’ dormitory with a roof top pool at the open public parking space between Cospicua and Senglea, and the building of administration blocks at Dock 1 where there is an EU funded public staircase and a fishermen’s wharf.

“Such development should never take place. It is in the very core of a historical area and does not fit in with the street-scape and landscape of an urban conservation area. Moreover it is bound to have a negative social impact.  In 2014, Government was offered a list of alternative sites that can be used for such a purpose. We are hereby appealing that these sites should be re-considered,” MP Godfrey Farrugia said.

“Żonqor Point ODZ land earmarked for a possible further extension of   AUM campus should be returned to the general public. It was leased on condition that it would be developed solely for educational purposes. The termination date is soon due,” MP Marlene Farrugia said.

PD notes that a PA hearing is scheduled for 12 September. AUM’s application is approved by the case officer.

If government wants to save face, now is the time to barter land in favour of public interests. PD hopes that good sense would prevail.