PN pledges to find alternative site for American University of Malta
Leader of the Nationalist Party Simon Busuttil yesterday pledged that should he be elected on 3 June, he will find an alternative site to Żonqor Point for the controversial American University of Malta to be built on.
Speaking at an on-site press conference announcing the party’s proposals for the environment, Dr Busuttil said that electing the party will provide the residents a chance to keep this land untouched.
“A government led by me will save Żonqor Point from being built upon,” he told those present. “We will go to the American University of Malta and find an alternative site. It is the last chance for residents of Marsaskala and Żonqor to keep this priceless piece of land untouched.”
He added that under a Nationalist government, such deals will not be done “secretly,” but will be discussed in Parliament and decided on following a two-thirds majority vote. “This way, the process will be transparent and abuse will be removed,” he said.
Another pledge is for the White Rocks zone to be turned into a national family and nature park of a minimalist nature. “The zone will be given back to the public,” he said. “Existing structures will be removed.”
He emphasised the importance of changing the perception that the “economy and environment are against each other.”
“We believe that the environment can provide added value to the growth of the economy. We will look at a sustainable environment as something positive for the economy,” he said.
Dr Busuttil pledged constitutional recognition of the environment, which will be placed at the centre of decision-making by the party, while affirming sustainability. He pledged that a National Strategy Agenda will be created up till 2050, with a “clear roadmap” as to where the country is heading from an environmental perspective. “It will not only be a national agenda but it will provide continuity and longterm planning when it comes to future governance,” he said.
He also pledged to create ‘Natura Malta’, an agency to help with the creation and maintenance of natural parks around Malta, as well as a regulation board for sound pollution.
An underwater eco-museum will also be created – “the first in the Mediterranean” – which will increase diving tourists, the target market, he said. He also said that the party aims to rehabilitate the system of valleys while also maintaining and caring for biodiversity.
He also pledged that new national policies regarding the height of buildings will be created by a Nationalist government. “A view should not only be restricted to one person but should be enjoyed by everyone,” he said, saying that new skyline policies will create a maximum height limit of construction within a particular zone.
Planning and resources boards will also be given autonomy in making decisions so as to decrease any political influence, he said.
Speaking about the Sant’ Antnin recycling plant fire, Dr Busuttil announced his solidarity with residents of Marsaskala, adding that the government should see that there are no repercussions on the health of people in the vicinity. “This is an example of the government’s incompetence,” he said. “This is the price that the residents of Marsaskala have to pay for incompetence.”