NGOs, Gzira mayor call for Manoel Island investigation

Gzira Mayor Conrad Borg Manche together with an environmental NGO yesterday held a protest on Manoel Island, pressing authorities to investigate any contract breaches by MIDI with regard to the development project on the island.

Mayor Borg Manche explained that the local council, together with NGOs, studied the contract approved in 2000 and had come across what he described as “breaches” which should be investigated.

He said the contract includes determined timeframes for the beginning and completion of work, as well as for penalties for not adhering to such deadlines.

The mayor said that restoration work on Fort Manoel Island and maintenance of other historical sites such as the former Lazzaretto hospital were not completed in time.

“We invite the public to take a look at the Lazzaretto and decide whether work aimed at preventing deteriora- tion has been carried out,” Andre Callus, for eNGO stated, also questioning “who is ensuring that work done by MIDI (including Tigné Point, which forms part of the project) is being completed on time?”

Kamp Emergenza Ambjent called for public support, saying how the last instance of ‘public pressure’ resulted in public access of Manoel Island for the first time in 17 years. “This shows how power is in the hands of the people,” he said.

“This is our property, not for the rich few,” Mr Callus said. “Look around you, do you think people need more shopping malls and hotels in this area?” a question which was met by a shout of ‘no’ from the crowd gathered. The eNGO president stated that the organization is holding its position that Manoel Island should be a national park, ‘not a park for the few’.

Mr Borg Manche added that “once Manoel Island is developed, it will be irreversible”.