Manoel Island could be developed into natural park without tax payer forking out a cent - Marlene Farrugia

Helena Grech Manoel Island could be developed into a nature park without the tax payer having to fork out a single cent, Partit Demokratiku’s Marlene Farrugia said yesterday.

Speaking at a press conference convened outside the MIDI gates on Manoel Island, she explained that many concessions to commercial entities by previous governments were given under the arrangement that the land transferred to private parties would be developed into hotels.

Many have actually been developed into residential units, Dr Farrugia said, meaning that if this government collected the fair contributions from these commercial entities, costing more than hotel developments, Manoel Island could be developed into a nature park without the public having to pay for it.

Dr Farrugia added that many of these residential developments have remained hidden, and she suggested that the government might announce the change in use of pre-arranged deals after the election, implying that this news would not be wellreceived by the public.

Governments charge more when giving concessions for res- idential units because, unlike hotel developments, they do not attract jobs, tourists or have an overall multiplier effect on the economy.

A previous PN government had awarded a concession to MIDI group for the development of Tigné Point as well as Manoel Island, under the agreement that the latter would have to restore the historic fort on Manoel Island.

Last week, MIDI revealed their development plans which include retail outlets, residential units and a hotel, as well as a casino.

PD Deputy Leader Anthony Buttigieg explained that this deal had been agreed legally, with both sides of Parliament having scrutinised the contract and given their approval. Dr Buttigieg stressed, however, that at the time the concession was being negotiated, Malta was a different place and it probably made sense to approve such a major development.

Years down the line, however, there is “a lot of work on the island and many tourists” Dr Buttigieg said, but for the residents of Gzira, Msida, Sliema and San Ġwann, should they wish to enjoy some free time in an open space, there is no choice but to drive to such a spot. There are no opportunities to walk to an open space.

He also stressed that tourists come to Malta in order to experience the cultural elements that make the island what it is, rather than to see large developments everywhere.

Dr Buttigieg said that Gzira is experiencing unprecedented levels of development, and a green lung in the midst of such chaos is imperative.

“Money cannot be put before ensuring a good quality of life,” he said.

PD called on the government to take Manoel Island back into the public’s hands, and called on MIDI to act in good faith and sell the land back to the government.

Dr Farrugia stressed that the public has not been given anything back, and that the land could be used as an area for people to walk their dogs in peace, for children to play and as a space where locals can showcase their art and culture. She added that with the backdrop of Valletta, the area could be made into a beautiful cultural space, and once again called on the government to do the right thing and give it back to the people.