PD condemns trading of public land resulting in ‘big businesses making pots of gold’

Partit Demokratiku said yesterday that public land is being traded in such a way that “our countrymen get a pittance while big businesses make pots of gold.

“Furthermore the people are asked to finance infrastructural support for such projects which far outweigh the financial benefit that comes their way.”

Environmental, social, cultural and infrastructural impacts are invariably played down or ignored completely when such huge projects are undertaken, PD members said when addressing a press conference outside SmartCity.

Partit Demokratiku argues that the government should stop using public land for private speculation. “This is also creating unfair competition for local developers.

“Good governance calls for transparent and accountable processes in Malta’s land resource, where the interest of the people’s coffers should come first.” PD asks if the recently set up Lands Authority has looked into the matter.

The PD also called on the Planning Authority not to act as “the big bully on ERA” and asked the government, as the Ombudsman has already requested, to grant veto powers to the ERA. “Malta’s schizophrenic development frenzy may prove to be unsustainable, and could lead to an economic collapse.”

Turning to SmartCity, recent news reports said that SmartCity Malta Ltd wants to almost double the height limitation at various points, and that certain changes concern residential and commercial zones, changes to the phasing of the development so that certain real estate development will precede other areas. On this point, the PD said: “It is imperative that environmental, social and transport impact assessments are resubmitted for this new Smart City project.

“It is imperative that the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage safeguards the environment and architecture of Fort Ricasoli and St Rocco.”

PD also called on the Auditor General to investigate the recent proceedings and check if there were breaches of the original contract to safeguard the interest of the Republic.

Partit Demokratiku reiterated that development planning in the country is taking place “according to the whims of select investors and developers and not according to a properly studied and validated national master plan that ensures all round sustainable development“.