Majority of environmentalists are PN supporters – Marsascala Mayor
during an interview, that there has been no recent contact between the AUM administration, and the local council. He also spoke about his political aspirations.
Marsascala Mayor Mario Calleja said that the majority of environmentalists are PN supporters when questioned about the American University of Malta and objections made in its regard.
He was being interviewed by The Malta Independent. Pressed on his statement, Mayor Calleja explained that the Prime Minister gave the environmentalists a chance, and heard them out. He said that an alternative was found, referring to the reduced site at Żonqor and part of the campus moving to Dock 1 in Cospicua. “But I’m telling you, many environmentalists were either compelled or pressured to do what they can to ensure this project does not occur.”
“I know it’s quite a statement, and maybe I was too blunt. Those people who protested that day came with coaches from Mellieħa, from Gozo and other places, not knowing where Żonqor is. Many people don’t know where it is. They are complaining about something that they do not know about. So for me, a resident, wouldn’t I prefer that an area full of dead animals and rubbish be refurbished into a national park, and for us to have it embellished well? The Mwadar national park is positive and it will attract people from all over Malta. We hope that whatever is done, is done for the community.”
The AUM project is one of the most controversial projects this legislature, receiving government’s seal of approval, just as controversial as the whole Electrogas and Shanghai Electric deals. It caused such outrage that a number of protests were called, and the project’s land take-up on Żonqor had to be reduced. The Mayor stressed that his decision to be in favour of the project came only after his mind was put at ease that the public pedestrian passage remain open, that no farmers making their livelihood from fields there would be affected, and that views would not be destroyed.
Looking at the major projects in the pipeline for the locality, the Mayor mentioned the Mwadar Natural Park, the American University of Malta, a garden above the old water polo pitch, an embellishment project financed by the Foundation for tourism zone development, and the new local council administration building on a small part of St Anne’s garden.
Mayor Calleja also revealed that he will be running for the general election on the PL ticket, on both the third and fifth districts. “I contested last time round on the fifth. One might ask why I didn’t contest the third – because there was the local council and I didn’t want to contest the three on both. But I got 700 first counts on the fifth, which is very good.”
Asked how he plans to deal with his anti-environment image, he mentioned that he is in favour of sustainable development. “I wouldn’t agree with hotels on Żonqor, for example. While I am pro-business, at no time will I agree that the land there be taken up by business.” He mentioned that the project was for educational purposes, given that a ‘university’ will be built. He asked whether the sites of Mater Dei Hospital and the Ta’ Qali football pitch were also built on open land. He said that if a project is sustainable, one must discuss it. “At no time am I saying I am against the environment, God forbid.”
The Council was divided over the AUM construction in Zonqor. Has this changed?
Those who were against are still against. We are a democracy and you cannot force anyone. There was so much transparency that the deputy mayor, who is a PL councillor, came out against the project. Can you blame her? Definitely not. She is a tree lover, as her own Facebook page reads. She likes the environment.
Overall, I don’t think the issue was an environmental one, but it was more political. We know what happened, the Opposition Leader came, many people did not know where Żonqor was. I think the issue became political, which I didn’t like.
In addition, I did not agree with the project because I am a Labour councillor. I agreed with the project as Marsascala needs investment. Since Jerma closed, Marsascala has died. The restaurants and bars here remain open thanks to the Maltese, not tourists. In fact, we are trying to introduce a hop on-hop off to bring a few tourists. This is a nice area, natural, and the place strikes you, but they need something better for tourists, not just to walk the promenade.
The university will create tourism. Students here will have their families come over, they will need places to stay, etc.
Where will the students stay?
There are a lot of unrented apartments in the area. Students tend to rent apartments in groups. From when the university was last mentioned, properties had a breath of fresh air. It is completely different from when we were fighting the recycling plant controversy, as there we were talking about property values dropping. This has had the opposite effect. Since people know more people will be coming here, those persons who own apartments, were careful, raised rents slightly, etc.
Isn’t there somewhere else around Marsascala that the AUM could be placed, rather than an area that was earmarked for a nature park?
The nature park will be built and only a small part will be taken up by the university. There isn’t anywhere else to build it.
What about Jerma?
It’s private. Can you oblige them to sell it? The last person who spoke to me about negotiating over Jerma told me he was told that the owner was not ready to sell it. We have a parking problem here, where there are garages that can fit six cars, yet would be empty at night. Can I make them
put their cars in the garage. No, as it is private property.
One of the major pros in favour of the AUM, debated back when the council was discussing the project was access to the University’s sports facilities for the local sports clubs. Is this still the case?
It depends on what they will have. We don’t know the plans yet. If the university remained at the original proposed size in Żonqor, the new water polo pitch being proposed would have been built there. I believe that is what we were debating, that no matter what facilities they would have, the Maltese would be able to use them. That all fell now, as the waterpolo pitch won’t be there and will be built elsewhere, and the new football pitch will be elsewhere.
I also supported the project as nothing was against the law. The only way to develop ODZ land is for healthcare or educational services, so no laws were broken.
The PN said they will try and convince the Sadeen group not to use Zonqor if elected...
Firstly, I doubt they will be elected, as they are not doing anything well. I am not just saying this as a PL councillor, but even due to the way they handled this week. I think the PN is getting too personal. But, to answer your question, if they do that they will destroy businesses in the area. For many years, this area was forgotten. If anything happened in the area, it was thanks to the local council, through schemes. The government had done nothing here. Today, since we see some development, we try and create obstacles.
Nowadays, when the government tries to create a project, there will be an objection no matter what it is. This is due to the close elections.
Will you be seeking a planning gain for the project?
The planning gain is a UIF scheme. The UIF has funds by developers for the inconvenience done by developers during construction. If you do not use them, government will take them, so we literally drink them up. So for planning gains we are covered by law.
Have you been in contact with AUM administration?
No, the only time I met with them was when they met the council, and presented us with a powerpoint presentation.
Where will the new local council administrative building be constructed?
On a small paved area in St Anne’s Garden.
Why don’t you choose another location, given that it has caused some controversy?
Where? There is no location and there are no currently existing buildings that can be used for the council. We’ve been looking for the past years.
We are trying to create a onestop-shop. Next to the school, the new police station will be built, to replace the temporary one currently placed in Marsascala. The Council and the station will be near the Berġa, and near the meeting hall.
By constructing the new building, we will avoid the €11,000 rent for the current council building each year, and we will gain accessibility given that the current council building does not have a lift or anything like that.
Whats going on with the Jerma site?
It is private property, and we have done all we can to try and push them to clean the area and do something with the place, but it is private property, and they must deal with the Planning Authority regarding fresh plans. But the last time plans were presented, they dealt with three enormous towers which are a non-starter.
You had previously said you liked the idea of highrise there...
There is a high-rise, then there is a high-rise. I couldn’t agree with those three proposed monstrous towers. It was more than I expected.
What’s your ideal result for the Jerma site?
That there be a hotel. If there are luxury apartments or villas and a boutique hotel, one would consider. What is also important is that there be no obstacles for present villas, and we also hope the St Thomas Tower be refurbished and remain visible from the sea.