The PN has proposed two measures for the improvement of the environment in the country, which includes 50,000 square meters added to existing ODZ land each year, and more consistent afforestation in the country.

The Nationalist party said that it is disappointed that government continues throwing aside important targets for a better environment.

The PN referred to the Planning Authority’s approval towards a substantial height increase in the Għallis landfill, so that it can continue to operate for another three years.

PN spokesperson for Environment Janice Chetcuti said that government is not focusing on the efficiency and effectiveness in the way waste can be managed in a cleaner way, with less damage to health and environment.

The PN said that it has always put the environment and its protection at the forefront in its electoral program. It said that two important proposals had to be made to increase the importance that should be given to environmental NGOs.

The PN proposed that government commits to adding 50,000 square meters to existing ODZ land yearly, as well as giving absolute priority to a consistent increase in afforestation in the country.

It said that the country is still far from reaching desired goals when it comes to waste and its management, which should ideally go down from the current 90% to 10%, as expected and requested of as a country.

“This is why we believe that there is a need for more waste recycling, which in recent years has risen from 11% to only 15%,” it said.

The PN said that it remains committed to a new policy putting major importance on the environment, with cleaner air, better quality of water, creation of more open spaces and afforestation all year round, to ensure a better quality of life.