|
Dear Members,
We're back after a traumatic week. The MEPA Board's unprecedented processing of two mega-projects in one day with only two days' warning had us scrambling to prepare our presentations, only to be told that we had 5 and 8 minutes respectively to explain our stand on Fort Cambridge and Mistra, projects that are going to last for more than a lifetime.
In the case of Fort Cambridge, we emphasised the need for a Social Impact Survey and stressed the negative impact that 23 floors would have on protected vistas of Valletta. The Sliema Council members made similarly strong objections and the MEPA Board deferred the decision, recognizing the illegality of approving 23 floors when the Project Description Statement only granted 16.
In the case of the Mistra project, we again made strong objections on the grounds that the draft MEPA Planning Policy document 2006 states specifically that no buildings will be allowed on ridges due to the massive impact they will have on the landscape and on the fact that there are 9000 empty dwellings in the area and therefore there is no need for the addition of another 868 on a ‘ridge’. Additionally, the Halcrow Report states that traffic congestion on Xemxija Hill has reached saturation point and cannot withstand the increased congestion which this mega project would produce particularly on the archaeological sites nearby. Included in this newsletter we are attaching our Press Release regarding these issues.
Another FAA Press Release, also attached with this newsletter concerns the control of political finances for sustainable planning. As highlighted by the Prime Minister in his Parliamentary speech, the Government is committed to regularise political party financing. FAA maintains that the issue of political party financing now being considered by Government is one of the root issues undermining MEPA's correct functioning. The issue, admittedly, is very sensitive, however the present political situation offers the governing party a window of opportunity, which may be hard to come by at a later stage. If this opportunity is not seized, much of the work carried out so far by environmental NGOs stands to be lost.
We are also including a link to a questionnaire about Gozo landscapes that forms part of a research project in connection with a doctoral study. It would be much appreciated if you could spare some minutes to fill in this short questionnaire. Each response would remain anonymous and strictly confidential.
The Institute for Environmental Studies is pleased to announce that the course Wildlife and Habitats of the Maltese Islands is being organised between the 18th and 27th June, 2008. The course is open to all those who are interested and want to acquire basic information on the terrestrial environment of the Maltese islands. We are also attaching the flyer and the application form for this course. A Certificate of attendance will be awarded to participants who complete the course. Early booking is recommended to ensure participation. Any participants who wish to attend are welcome to contact Ms. Julie Tabone on telephone number 356 2143 1910.
In the course of last week, we also met with Dr. Ali, an architectural consultant on skyscrapers from the University of Chicago, brought over by MEPA to look into the implications of tall buildings in Malta. Although Dr. Ali is self-avowedly in favour of high-rise buildings, after scrutinising the Maltese context he admitted that skyscrapers might not be suitable for Malta for a number of reasons, including our landscapes, lifestyles and culture, as well as the fact that, as he said, "high-rise buildings are inappropriate for family living".
It is extremely ironic that MEPA should be in the process of re-assessing its stand on tall buildings, studying the reform of most of its functions, changing Chairman, and yet, in the midst of all this, rushing into decisions the consequences of which we and our descendants will have to live with for our lifetimes. And all this on World Environment Day!
Regards,
The Committee
Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar
|