The Marsaxlokk Local Council, which features a PL majority and its mayorship, has issued a statement to declare that it is against a pledge listed in the Labour Party's "Int Malta" electoral manifesto.

The council has come out against pledge number 58 in Chapter 19 of the PL electoral manifesto for this general election, stating that it goes against its residents' interests.

This proposed measure advocates for works on an "Aquaculture and Fisheries Research Centre in Marsaxlokk" to continue over the coming legislature. The PL manifesto reads that "this will offer sufficient space and modern facilities where the breeding of different fish species can be carried out as well as research with the participation of fishermen themselves."

The Marsaxlokk representatives said that during a local council meeting on 13 November 2025, the CEO of Aquatic Resources Malta (ARM), Francis Fabri, presented the local council with a proposal for a new multi-storey building for this site, which will include ARM offices featuring a fish hatchery and a research facility for fish species.

According to the elected councillors, this site is planned on a plot of land that has already been earmarked by the Marsaxlokk Local Council for a public garden and a jogging track to be developed. The council said that it has already received permits from the Planning Authority for this open space to be developed (PA/01017/07).

The council has formally positioned itself against Labour's electoral pledge for four reasons: to maintain open space, residential priorities, lack of consultation, and due to its "visual impact."

The council stated that "no development should take place on this site other than that of open and green space for the public." It added that "the residents of Marsaxlokk do not need a hatchery near the residential area of ​​Port Ruman, but they do need more sports facilities and green spaces."

In addition, it said that "an open and serious consultation should have been carried out with residents around Port Ruman before this pledge was made."

Finally, the Local Council noted that if constructed, "this massive building will create a new eyesore in our locality."

It believes that the St Lucian Tower should be emptied of this industrial activity and that this location should be restored and turned into a museum, "but it is not acceptable that this operation be transferred to the heart of a residential area."

Furthermore, the Marsaxlokk Local Council suggested for this development to be integrated into the "Is-Siċċa" project, which is planned for the coming years nearby St. Lucian Tower.

"The Council will remain at the forefront to safeguard the interests of all residents," it stated.

Marsaxlokk Local Council seeks clarification on two other PL electoral proposals

Apart from this single measure, the Marsaxlokk Local Council has requested "official and immediate clarification on what will become of the operations currently located in Marsa, and in what way these changes will affect, directly or indirectly, Marsaxlokk."

The Local Council said that it is now keeping close watch on all plans affecting maritime and industrial activity following the recent launch of the Marsa beautification project, as part of the regeneration of the Grand Harbour.

This section of its statement relates to two more electoral pledges within the PL manifesto: proposals 48 and 50 within Chapter 17, relating the Grand Harbour's regeneration.

The Local Council stated that "it will maintain a firm position against any transfer of industrial services to Marsaxlokk."

"We will not allow any decision to be taken that is detrimental to our beaches and that reduces the quality of life of our residents," the Local Council said on Wednesday.

Pledge 48 from this chapter refers to regenerating four zones within the Marsa industrial zone, "next to the sea in Marsa," - specifically where the power station was located, Jesuits' Hill (l-Għolja tal-Ġiżwiti), it-Tined tal-Patata, Mifsud Verandah, and Bridge Wharf.

Pledge 50 says that over the next legislature, if the Labour Party is re-elected, a call for projects will be made in the Menqa zone within Marsa.

The Marsaxlokk Local Council consists of five councillors. Its mayor, Steven Grech, deputy mayor, Miriam Camilleri, and one councillor, Daniel Zerafa, were elected on the Labour Party's ballot. From its other two councillors, Reno Bugeja is a PN representative and Matthew Bugeja was elected as an independent candidate.