Interview with Zminijietna

Zminijietna Voice of the Left has been interviewed by Sociology of Social Movements Malta. The interview is available through this link

Public Conveniences should remain free of charge

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left expresses opposition to the introduction of charges for the use of public conveniences. The leftist organization appeals to the Government to opt out from such measure in the reform to improve the managing of public conveniences. 

Żminijietna is infavour of capital investment to improve the environment and conditions of public conveniences, but access should not be restricted. Żminijietna insists for a more open public consultation with the civil society, local councils, and other organizations that are active towards the wellbeing of those disadvantaged members in the Maltese society.

Press Release 24/2/16

Żminijietna supports Fgura Mayor's position on the proposed supermarket

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left supports the stand being taken by the Fgura Mayor Byrone Camilleri (PL) against the proposed development of a supermarket, on a former scrapyard in Fgura.

 

Żminijietna added that “with regards to the local plan, the plan stipulates that any development of the site should include recreational facilities in the form of public urban open spaces, social and community facilities as well as residential and commercial/retail development”.  

 

Thus Żminijietna - Voice of the Left appeals MEPA to abide by it's own policies and respect the rationality behind the local plan approved in 2006. 

Press Release 18/2/16

Żminijietna calls for the protection of Wied Moqbol

Żminijietna - Voice of the Left calls upon MEPA Appeals Board to revoke the permit issued in 2014 for the development of a quarry in Wied Moqbol. MEPA should respect it's own planning regulations.

"The area indicated is of agricultural value and this is clearly specified by MEPA in it's policies, with reference to the Malta South Local Plan. Also the surrounding area of Wied Moqbol is designated as a Special Area of Conservation of International Importance under the Natura 2000 programme, due to the importance of the species as well as archaeological remains found there".

MUNXAR AGGRO-TOURISM

NGOs Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Ramblers’ Association, Friends of the Earth (Malta), Din l-Art Helwa, NatureTrust Malta, MOAM, Sustainable Built Environment, Youth for the Environment, Greenhouse Malta, Kunsill Studenti Universitarji, Kopin, Gender Liberation, Graffitti, Zminijietna, Wirt iz-Zejtun and the Jesuits all echo the concerns expressed by the Għaqda Bajja San Tumas re the proposal to build an supposed agro-tourism development at Munxar/Xrobb l-Għagin. This is an Area of High Landscape Value, Area of Ecological Importance and Site of Scientific Importance, abutting on the ODZ area designated for a National Park in the current South Malta Local Plan 2006.

The organisations are not against genuine agro-tourism, however a project of over 2,000 sq m on virgin land defeats the very purpose of agro-tourism, as any construction project this size would destroy a significant stretch of undisturbed natural landscape. This confirms the concerns voiced by eNGOs that in spite of the claimed restrictions imposed by MEPA’s new rural policy, it would simply be used as screen to develop in the countryside.  In fact, this project is proposing to build administration offices, tourist accommodation, beach pontoon, swimming pool, a beauty and therapy salon, fitness centre, a wine bar, an activity hall and workshops, a restaurant and a fully equipped conference centre to cater for multi-purpose events. Most of these facilities have nothing to do with any real agro-tourism. The tag is simply being used to disguise a hotel development.

Such a project would have a severe negative impact on the visual integrity of the park, would require roads to be created to service the complex, and could create light and noise pollution in the area.  The proposal to build a campus at Zonqor would already deprive the area and Malta of one stretch of virgin land; Malta can’t afford to lose more.

The NGOs firmly believe that no part of the ODZ is expendable for tourism projects; priority should be given to the redevelopment of abandoned prime sites given over to tourism such as the nearby Jerma Hotel, which lies derelict. Malta is so small that the stated agro-tourism activities can be conducted with tourists accommodated in nearby vacant properties, of which there is no shortage. This would create a genuine national benefit.

The fact that seventeen NGOs have come together on this issue shows how concern about the environment and quality of life is growing across every sector of society. Environment is very closely bound to social justice; is the public to be deprived of their areas of free, healthy recreation for the enrichment of the few? Physical and mental health and well-being depends on exposure to nature and the availability of unbuilt green areas for exercise and recreation. If these are to be sacrificed all over Malta, the authorities are putting short-term profit for the few before the health of the nation, which is totally unacceptable. This government is acting in the in favour of vested interests, not for the good of the Maltese public.

                                                                                                       20.01.2016

New issue - Zminijetna review

New issue: Zminijietna review - January-March 2016

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Press Release: Budget 2016 should address Social Inequality - Żminijietna

English/Maltese Version

Press Release: Budget 2016 should address Social Inequality - Żminijietna

Żminijietna - Voice of the Left appealed to the Government to tackle social inequality in the upcoming budget by strengthening social measures and moving away from neo-liberal policy which increases inequality.

"Official statistics show that Malta is experiencing increased economic growth, but is also increasing an increase in number of people at risk-of-poverty. Hence, an improved economic situation does not necessarily translate in more social equality".

"We therefore urge the Government to increase measures that tackle poverty, inequality and precariousness. These include an increase in the minimum wage; progressive legislation against precarious employment; and upward revisions in social benefits to help those in need".

"We agree with active policies which encourage people to seek employment, but these should not be at the expense of universal welfare benefits, which often protect people from falling into poverty".

"We also appeal to the Government to keep investing in progressive measures such as universally accessible childcare services - which should also be available for free for parents not in employment, pre and after school services for children, lifelong training programmes and more universal educational services".

"As regards fiscal policy, we appeal to the Government to introduce radical measures, such as tax on vacant properties (third property onwards) and the polluters pay principle. We also expect the Government to announce policies which ensure that all pensioners have a decent income".

"With regards to Health, Żminijietna urges the Government to invest more; to strengthen the primary health care system; an increase in staff and services provided in the community, hospitals and clinics".