Bulebel take-over has not been reversed by government – PD

Partit Demokratiku said yesterday that the take-over of highgrade agricultural land and Wied iż-Żring to be part of an extension of Bulebel industrial estate has not been completely reversed by government.

“Following the call made by PD Opposition MPs to discuss this issue at the Parliamentary Permanent Committee of Environment and Development, it was evident that the expositions forwarded by NGO Wirt iż-Żejtun and other citizens caught the government by surprise and they temporarily retreated from the planned project by stating that this would not be done,” the party said.

“It is very clear that this 157,000square-metre area has not been saved for future generations as the government has not decided to reverse the previous decision taken in 1988 and redefine Bulebel industrial boundary, thus excluding the extension as stated in SMZN 02 of the Local Plan.

To add insult to injury, Minister Chris Cardona has made it amply clear, through supplementary parliamentary questions addressed by PD MPs Godfrey Farrugia and Marlene Farrugia, that the government has no intention of revoking the imposed requisition order against a number of Bulebel farmers. PD recalls that this same land is rich in historical and architectural heritage, and endemic flora and fauna. Moreover, this open space serves as a buffer zone to the wellbeing of residents in the vicinity.”

The party said it was indeed strange how Minister Cardona had suggested turning part of this zone into a natural park when this may drastically disturb agriculture.

PD said that the government did not truly hold Malta’s natural capital close to its heart, and once again reminds the government that the well-being of Maltese citizens does not necessarily thrive on economic growth.