The Labour Party has called the Nationalist Party "a selective and unreliable Opposition" after the PN issued a statement earlier on Wednesday criticising the government over the intent to develop government-owned agricultural land in Tal-Bebbux, Żurrieq. Local farmers, who recently received eviction notices because of this decision, have tilled these fields for generations.
The PL pointed fingers towards the Gonzi-led past PN government for causing this situation to arise, arguing that 19 years ago, in 2006, this Nationalist government "threw this land into the development zone" through local plan revisions.
The Nationalist Party's own statement had called for the government to stop hiding behind the Planning Authority's pinned blame. It also criticised how the government has depleted the Planning Authority of its resources and effectively transforming it into a Permits Authority.
The Labour Party observed that the PN has displayed "absolute inconsistency and a lack of credibility" for incorporating these lands into the development zone nearly two decades ago, and is now rivalling the intent for a private developer to construct a road through these farmlands.
"The truth is that this land will not be given for private development but will remain Government land and will be reserved for projects that may be needed in the future for the direct benefit of the Żurrieq community," the Labour Party stated.
In this regard, the political party remarked that the Government's stance on this land in Tal-Bebbux, Żurrieq, is clear.
The governing party added that all future decisions related to this project will be made in consultation with the PL-led Żurrieq Local Council. Żurrieq's local council features six PL councillors, including its mayor, Rita Grima, and three PN councillors.
"It is ironic how the Nationalist Party is criticising current choices when it was in fact the same party that placed this land in a development zone," the PL said.
The Labour Party observed that the Opposition "has a very selective attitude" when it comes to objecting public projects. Henceforth, it cited that the PN "did the same" when it opposed the Żurrieq Local Council's position against the development of a supermarket in a nearby ODZ area, also located in Tal-Bebbux.
The PL statement continued that the government's policies are in the best interest of whole communities, "in a transparent and accountable manner, with special attention to the needs and priorities of citizens, including the Żurrieq residents."
The Labour Party remarked that contrary to "the Opposition's negative track record," the Government is fulfilling electoral promises that sustain its commitment to ensuring the continuity of local agricultural production. Here, the PL observed that just this week, it was announced that over 126,000m² of agricultural land in Bulebel (i.e., over 31 acres) will be transferred from INDIS Malta's hands to the Land Authority's; this land will be used for agricultural purposes.
Speaking to MaltaToday, the affected farmers noted how they felt "betrayed" by the decision for their family's long-time farmlands to be developed. They have since appealed for this development not to proceed.