What Labour deputy leader Chris Fearne said regarding the Marsascala Yacht Marina Project matches what I said months ago, Prime Minister Abela said on Tuesday.

On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne told Times of Malta how he believes that the undeveloped parts around Marsascala bay should remain as they are, how the berthing area should be reorganised, whilst taking note of the village’s traditions as well as people who have moorings present there.

“What Chris Fearne said is exactly what I said a number of months ago: that any development related to the Marsascala marina must respect the following principles.

"First, there will definitely not be a project that reflects the red plan annexed to the Pre-qualification questionnaire.

The second cardinal principle is that the swimming areas will remain intact,

The third principle is that fire-fighting areas and other areas currently being used by the community will not be touched either, Abela said.

The fourth principle is that for anyone having buoys registered in Marsascala bay will have their rights respected, he said.

Abela added that as a resident of Marsascala, he is not happy with the locality’s current state and wants to see a complete regeneration of the area.

Abela said that Monday’s announcement where land earmarked for the American University in Zonqor and Senglea will be returned to the government should encourage Marsascala residents as this happened because the government listened to concerns they had raised.

“We didn’t tell AUM to destroy the project, but we listened to the people, and that is why we reduced it,” the Prime minister said.