Candidates from the fifth district asked about their position on Wied Żnuber

Labour Party, Nationalist Party and ADPD candidates from the fifth district have been asked about their position on the Wied Żnuber issue, NGOs said.

Candidates received a joint email from the Birżebbuġa History and Culture Association, Moviment Graffitti, BirdLife Malta and Din l-Art Ħelwa, which explains that Wied Żnuber is threatened by plans for a miniature airstrip by the valley and cliffs of the area. The message highlights the ecological, agricultural and historical importance of the site and how this project will threaten the surroundings with continuous light and noise pollution.

The area earmarked for development into an airstrip is currently an Indis Malta Ltd. site. With a week and a half to go before the general election, these organisations are asking to know if candidates agree with the residents and associations’ request that the area becomes a designated ODZ to secure its future as undeveloped land.

The miniature airstrip was announced last month during the signing of an agreement between the government agency INDIS and an aircraft model flight association. Residents, the Local Council and other stakeholders have not been consulted on these plans, details of which are being kept secret.

Candidates' answers will be published early next week, the NGOs said.