Residents and activists from Żurrieq and several localities called for clear answers and action from political leaders over the proposed development of public land at Nigret in Żurrieq, with concerns raised over overdevelopment, rezoning and the use of public land, Il-Kollettiv said in a statement.
In a protest on Sunday, Żurrieq residents questioned whether the Lands Authority had granted clearance for the use of public land linked to a proposed 11,500 square metre development site at Nigret following recent comments by Prime Minister Robert Abela, the statement said.
The issue has now entered its fourth year, with Abela recently stating that the land would not be handed over for development.
Matthew Borg from Residenti taż-Żurrieq said residents appreciated the Prime Minister's words but insisted that assurances now need to be translated into action.
"Mistakes made in 2006 can still be fixed, and we will not be drawn into a blame game," Borg said, while calling on district election candidates to clearly state whether they support or oppose the Nigret development.
Farmer and Żurrieq resident Annalisa Schembri, one of two farmers facing possible eviction in Tal-Bebbux, also criticised the situation surrounding another proposed development in the locality.
"Considering all the stress you have caused us, we find it hard to believe any of your reassurances. We will judge you on what you have done, not on what you have said," Schembri said, as she called on government to withdraw the Tal-Bebbux rezoning application.
Resident John Schembri stressed the importance of public open spaces, saying residents want "to breathe and live in peace" rather than face additional noise and overdevelopment.
Caroline Caruana from the Marsaskala Residents Network said changes taking place across the country were the result of political decisions prioritising profit and commercial interests over residents and communities.
She said that economic indicators such as GDP do not reflect factors such as peace of mind, air quality, traffic congestion and the impact on communities.
Meanwhile, Ruben Abela from Wirt iż-Żejtun referred to ongoing discussions on revising local plans, saying revisions prepared in 2015 were never published because of pressure from interests seeking to extend development boundaries.
Olivia Gauci from Residenti tal-Mellieħa said localities across Malta are facing similar struggles linked to overdevelopment and public land.
She criticised the Prime Minister for refusing to meet Mellieħa residents over two proposed developments involving hundreds of apartments and a hotel on public land, while also calling on PN Leader Alex Borg to take a clear position on the issue.
In a statement issued after the event, Il-Kollettiv secretary Wayne Flask thanked participating resident groups and said the organisation would continue its work in localities where it is active, the statement added.