Manoel Island excavation works suspended for three months after FAA request
Excavation works at Manoel Island have been halted for three months after the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) accepted Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar’s cease and desist request while the Tribunal examines an appeal lodged against the entire master plan for the island.
FAA contends that the original master plan issued back in 2000 had expired and was never renewed. In addition, FAA insists that the amended master plan approved by the Planning Board earlier this year is also invalid for several reasons.
Among its numerous objections, the FAA stated its deep concern about the lack an environment management system for the excavation works which had promised by the developers.
MIDI itself had admitted in its project development statement, the FAA observed, that its contractors’ trucks fall far short of environmental standards, and that their diesel engines emit toxic nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxides.
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Despite knowing all this, MIDI intends making 15,000 trips with such trucks through the narrow streets of Gzira.
“Despite knowing all this,” the FAA pointed out yesterday, “MIDI intends making 15,000 trips with such trucks through the narrow streets of Gzira with all the implications that brings for the health of residents.”
The NGO also highlighted the fact that according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) vehicle emissions contribute to asthma, heart attacks, strokes and cancer.
The FAA said it will continue working on this project to safeguard the interests of Malta’s residents and heritage.
Yesterday’s decision comes days after the same Tribunal’s decision on another FAA case where a Rabat development permit threatened to encroach onto the walls forming the last remaining part of the Roman ditch to Mdina. This permit was rescinded due to the lack of studies which were required for such a sensitive heritage case.
The FAA was represented by Dr Andrew Sciberras.