Residents have expressed their concern on a tender issued by the Lands Authority, to further develop around 5,300 square metres of open land, an area at Mellieha Heights.
Former PL Minister Evarist Bartolo and PN whip Robert Cutajar took to Facebook on behalf of the residents of the area, blaming government for remaining quiet over the matter.
The area concerns people who live in the vicinity of Triq il-Migbha, Triq is-Saghtar, and Wesghat in-Narcis in Mellieha, who are worried that much of it will be built instead of being developed into an open space which can be enjoyed by everyone, Bartolo said.
“Certainly it will not harm anyone (except those who want to make money from every piece of land), to have an open space on that side of Mellieha,” he added, saying that a recreational space should also be developed near the museum building.
He said that in a country which is being choked with buildings, the more open spaces we have, the better.
“A little while ago, government gave its word that in another seven years, we will have a garden or an open space with trees and plants 10 minutes away from wherever we live. He also said that he is even ready to buy the land to create these open spaces. But then what sense does it make that he gives away our open spaces to more buildings?” Bartolo said.
Cutajar also criticised government for remaining silent on the issue, despite he having spoken about it, on behalf of the residents in Parliament.
“Government has remained silent till today, a silence which continues to create doubts about the real reason why this tender was issued and the way things were done,” Cutajar said.
He said that he expects Ministers of the area district to speak up on the issue, adding that this is not a matter of partisan politics.
“I again appeal to government to stop the process of this tender immediately and leave this land for the enjoyment of families,” he said.
He added that government must stop being an accomplice in unrestrained greed which only means more environmental damage.
A petition against the further development of this area has reached almost 500 signatures.