Momentum has joined residents of Żurrieq in opposing a proposed mega-development in Nigret, warning that public agricultural land should not be handed over to developers and calling for urgent political clarity on the future of the site.
During a protest held on Sunday, Momentum representatives stood alongside local residents and civil society groups to voice concern over plans affecting around 11,500 square metres of farmland currently used for agriculture.
The party said the land should remain protected as open space, arguing that the proposed development risks worsening traffic congestion, increasing pressure on local infrastructure and undermining the rural character of the area.
Momentum candidate Dr Alastair Farrugia attended the protest together with committee members Katya Compagno and Natasha Azzopardi, where they met residents and heard their objections first-hand.
The controversy centres on a long-running planning dispute over land at Nigret, Żurrieq.
Residents and activists say the issue has been ongoing for around four years and involves proposals that would reshape the area through large-scale construction.
Concerns have also been raised that the development has been split into multiple applications, which could be an attempt to bypass stricter procedures required for major projects.
According to campaigners, one of the applications reportedly seeks approval through a "summary procedure," which would reduce the requirement for archaeological studies and shorten the window for public objections.
They have also warned that the site may contain archaeological remains, further increasing the need for full assessments.
The land was included within the development zone in 2006 under the Nationalist administration of then Environment Minister George Pullicino. Critics of the current proposals said that past planning decisions are now contributing to present-day pressure for construction, despite growing concerns over overdevelopment across Malta.
Residents and activists, including Momentum, are also seeking clarity following recent statements by Prime Minister Robert Abela indicating that government land would not be released for development.
However, residents said that this commitment must be reflected in concrete decisions regarding the Nigret site.
Momentum said public land should not be repurposed for private development and planning decisions must prioritise community wellbeing, environmental protection and long-term sustainability.
The party also called for greater transparency in how planning applications are processed, particularly when large-scale developments are involved.
The protest was supported by several local organisations, including Żurrieq residents' groups as well as Wirt iż-Żejtun, the Birżebbuġa Historical and Cultural Association, Mellieħa Residents, Safi Residents, Beltin Residents, the Sliema Residents Association and Qrendi Residents.
All raised broader concerns about overdevelopment and planning decisions affecting multiple localities.
Residents at the protest welcomed government assurances that public land would not be developed, but insisted that these statements must be translated into action on specific cases such as Nigret. They called on political leaders and election candidates to clearly state their position on the project.