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 University welcomed, but alternative site required/Universita ġdida mfaħħra, imma teħtieġ sit alternattiv

Zminijietna Voice of the Left welcomed the agreement between the Government of Malta and Jordanian investor for the setting up of a branch of the American De Paul University in Malta, but appealed for another site to be found for the development.

"The setting up of the De Paul University is a welcome investment which can have a positive economic and educational contribution. It can also provide new opportunities for students and workers in the field. We support the proposal to have Malta act as an educational hub".

"On the other hand we appeal to the Government to consider other sites for the development of the University, preferably not in an ODZ area. This requires comprehensive and holistic studies and impact assessments which take into consideration educational, economic, social, environmental, traffic and architectural concerns, amongst others".

STOP TTIP! - Local NGOs join European platform of over 400 NGOs in call for action against secret trade negotiations between the EU and the USA

On the occasion of the global day of action against TTIP, on the 18th April, a number of local NGO's, under the umbrella Social Europe - Front Against TTIP (Malta), that was formed in Malta last year, are calling upon all policy makers in both the public and the private sectors to unite to secure the interests of the local economy, which is based almost exclusively on the productivity of small and medium enterprises (SME's), as well as its environmental and social fabric, by ensuring that all trade negotiations being carried out between the EU and the USA are open and fully transparent, and that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that the fundamental principles of governance, transparency and environmental and social regulations upon which so much of the EU is built, are secured and maintained.

The Front said that it forms part of an alliance of over 400 civil society organisations that launched a European Citizens Initiative against the free trade and investment agreements TTIP (between the EU and the US) and CETA (between the EU and Canada). These are calling on the European Commission to recommend to the EU Council of Ministers to repeal the European Union’s negotiating mandate for the Transatlantic Trade Investor Partnership (TTIP) and to halt the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

The coalition refuses to accept that rules with far-reaching consequences for more than 500 million citizens in Europe are made behind closed doors. This is unacceptable and in blatant breach of fundamental European principles. TTIP and CETA primarily serve the interests of large multinational corporations at the huge expense of consumer protection, social standards, environmental regulations and food safety. They also threaten the fabric of SME's, by creating an unlevel playing field in the commercial sector which is weighted heavily in favour of multinational corporations.

The planned Investor state dispute settlement (ISDS), it continued, constitutes a very serious threat to democracy and the rule of law for the simple reason that it would make these multi nationals more powerful than the governments of sovereign states, allowing them to enforce changes in environmental and social legislation, and even to sue governments for hundreds of millions of Euros in damages on claims that such legislation may have affected the company's potential for profits. Such a treaty would not only put multinational corporate profits over people and SME's, but also over their democratically elected governments.

The European Citizens Initiative petition has already been signed by over 1.6 million European throughout Europe. The front is calling upon the public to likewise give its support by signing the petition at https://stop-ttip.org/. More information on the campaign can be obtained at https://www.globaltradeday.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/eci.ttip

Social Europe - Front Against TTIP (Malta) consists of the NGO's Żminijietna - Voice of the Left; Anti-Poverty Alliance; Moviment Graffitti; Association of Federative Socialists; GWU Youth, Friends of the Earth Malta; Partit Komunista Malti; Garden of Knowledge (Malta); ADZ - Green Youth; Malta Organic Agricuture Movement; Greenhouse; Gaia Foundation; Alternattiva Demokratika -The Green Party

Rodolfo Ragonesi
obo Social Europe - Front Against TTIP (Malta)

Ghadira Bay development runs contrary to Blue Flag beach concept

 Zminijietna – Voice of the Left criticised the decision taken by MEPA to allow a private operator to construct a concrete platform on the sandy beach in Għadira.

“The decision to pour concrete on Għadira Bay is unacceptable. Alternative methods that protect ecological sustainability should have been applied”, stated Żminijietna.

“This decision runs contrary to the concept of the Blue Flag beaches. The Blue Flag awards works towards sustainable development of beaches through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services”.

"We urge the Minister in charge of the Environment to take the necessary measures to remove the concrete platform"

Press Release 22.2.15

Amnesty on illegal development “unacceptable” – NGOs

The Times, Tuesday, February 10, 2015  by Caroline Muscat

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150210/local/amnesty-on-illegal-development-unacceptable-ngos.555558


The planning authority has finally relinquished all pretence of being a regulator and exposed its real role as facilitator for development, environmental organisations said today, slamming the Authority’s proposed amnesty on works done without permits.
Environmentalists united against Mepa’s proposal to sanction illegal developments saying it was “unacceptable” and sent out a message that “abuse pays off”.
Calling Mepa’s latest proposal “the mother of all building amnesties”, they said it was proof of the Authority’s incompetence and put into question the very reason for its existence, they said.
The Sunday Times of Malta revealed earlier this month that Mepa was in the final stages of proposing an amnesty to sanction long-standing illegal developments.
The scheme is meant to wipe out a substantial chunk of the planning authority’s pending enforcement cases, which number about 10,000, and to rake in more than €20 million.
The organisations pointed out amnesties held in 2012 and 2013 already dealt with the abuse that could reasonably be absolved.  They drew attention to the contradictory situation that the Authority’s chairman, Vince Cassar, now finds himself in.
At the time of the last amnesty, when Mr Cassar was president of the Chamber of Architects, he had lambasted the proposal saying those who broke the law should not end up on an even footing with those who had not adhered to it.
“How can he now endorse a more extreme amnesty?” asked FAA spokeswoman Astrid Vella.
“Such amnesties foster a culture of abuse... We have seen this from past experience in Malta, and also from the Italian experience which saw an increase of 30 per cent of building abuse when the last amnesty was announced,” she added.
The environmental organisations said they had to rely on a media report to discover what was going on since no details had been made available to them.
The fact that Mepa CEO Johann Buttigieg had said he would not give further detail because the proposals had not yet been approved by the Board and Parliament showed the Authority no longer even pretended to respect laws on consultation, the NGOs said.
The NGOs demanded that before proceeding with its proposed amnesty, Mepa publish reports justifying its decision, as well as studies on the environmental impact of existing illegal development.  They also insisted that illegal buildings Outside Development Zones and the coast be immediately eliminated from any consideration.
The proposed scheme would apply to all infringements that took place before 2013 and those in ODZ that took place before the full establishment of the planning authority in 1994.
Applicants that could be considered for such an amnesty would be expected to pay a one-time fee that is heftier than current sanctioning charges. Yet the environmental organisations argued that any monetary gain from such an amnesty could not be the basis for such a decision.
Rambler Association President Lino Bugeja pointed out the repercussions of this amnesty would have a lasting impact, unlike other amnesties already granted, such as those on tax payments and electricity theft.
The NGOs insisted government could not continue to make rules and then complain they can’t be enforced. Edward Mallia said there was a pattern emerging where law enforcement authorities were just “pandering to wrongdoers”, an attitude that must stop.
Something went wrong with the way Mepa was functioning along the years, the NGOs pointed out. That problem must be addressed before an amnesty could be proposed.
“This is not going to solve Mepa’s problems nor will it solve illegalities,” they said.
The NGOs present today were Friends of the Earth (Malta), Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Din l-Art Helwa, Ramblers Association, Nature Trust, Noise Abatement Society and Zminijietna. They were joined by water expert Marco Cremona, environmental expert Alfred Baldacchino, and deputy chairman of the Green Party Carmel Cacopardo.

Gzira development will deprive pedestrians of seaview

application PA/05376/06, to develop a Lido, out of land reclamation on a site at Triq ix-Xatt in Gzira. This proposal will be discussed during MEPA’s Board meeting Today.
 
“Should the development be approved, pedestrians walking along the Gzira promenade will be deprived of seaviews. The proposal two have a two-metre walkaway at the side of the lido is a ridiculous insult to the concept of public access”
 
“Should the proposal be approved, this will open a precedent for other such development along the Gzira and Sliema promenade, depriving the public of public space”.
   
“The area earmarked for development under the 'National Inventory for the Maltese Islands' is classified as an area of high landscape value of the Harbour Fortifications”.

Press Release 15/1/14

Wied Moqbol development decision criticised by Zminijietna

 
Żminijietna – Voice of the Left condemns the decision taken by the MEPA Appeals Board to approve permit to relocate a hard stone quarry (No9& No2) from 'Hagar Qim' to 'Wied Moqbol'.
 
“The site earmarked for excavation is of agricultural and high landscape value on which grow a substantial number of large carob trees, some of which are of millenarian age and other local tree species that warrant protection. Wied Moqbol is also designated by the South Malta Local Plan (Map ZU 4) as an Agricultural Area as per Policy SMAG 01”.
 
Żminijietna  said that “this decision shows that MEPA is much more in favour of development, rather the protection of the natural environment. Żminijietna appeals MEPA to put constraint on the owners of the unused Quarry in the vicinity of Hagar Qim Temples to rehabilitate the area for cultivation and environmental protection”.
 

Press Release 5/1/15

Żminijietna against development of new Hotels in ODZ

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left is highly concerned with the recommendations put forward by the Privatisation Unit, to regenerate areas in the south of Malta, that fall outside the development zones, into a tourist complex.

“Such proposals will be in breach of the existing planning regulations that regulate development in ODZ areas. Virgin land will continue to be sacrificed for unsustainable development. In fact 30% of the total land in Malta is already built”, stated Żminijietna.   

“On the other hand, Żminijietna supports initiatives to re-develop unused or derelict buildings for tourism purposes. Zminijietna also supports proposals to restore and conserve old historical buildings for such reason".

Press Release 22/12/14

Agro-Tourism policy requires sustainability - Żminijietna

Żminijietna - Voice of the Left said that “Malta's new Agro-Tourism policies could have given more importance to sustainability”.

"Sustainable development requires holistic policies which have long-term standing. In this regard, instead of giving more leeway for development in ODZ areas, it would have been better if the approved policy would have given more focus on rehabilitation of existing buildings and areas, and by giving priority to sustainable projects such as those which focus on permaculture, organic methods, renewable energy, efficient energy use, and similar initiatives". 

Press Release 28/9/14

"White Rocks development should not deprive public of open spaces" - Żminijietna

Żminijietna - Voice of the Left appealed to the Government to ensure that the regeneration of White Rocks would not deprive the public of open spaces.
 
“Unfortunately the Government is opting for yet another exclusive development project consisting of luxury dwellings and villas, when over a third of Malta's properties are vacant, and when universally accessible open spaces are lacking. The greatest beneficiary of such development is big business”.

 

“Whilst we agree that it is high time that the White Rocks area is regenerated, we appeal to the Government not to approve of development projects which will result in a privatised area which denies public access. Besides, Government should ensure that the development project makes use of sustainable sources of energy. Any form of development on the natural garigue should be refused. Agricultural land and the natural environment should be protected, rather than commodified.” 

 

Press Release 8/8/14

 

Illegal seaside structures should not be legalised - Żminijietna

 

Żminijietna - Voice of the Left is against the proposed legalising of illegal lidos and other establishments around the Maltese coastline.

 

"Public ownership, public access and facilitation of Government action to ensure social justice and environmental protection should not be hindered to satisfy owners of illegal development." 

 

"On another note, Żminijietna also appeals to the Government to ensure that proper impact studies are carried out before proceeding with land reclamation projects. Such impact studies should include social, environmental, economic and transport impact assessments and should be carried out in full consultation with civil society and local councils."

 

Press Release 20/7/14

Additional floors should be subject to studies– Żminijietna.

In reaction to the new proposals concerning Hotel-Height Adjustment Policies, Żminijietna - Voice of the Left said while it agrees in principle with the upgrading of the tourism sector, this should be sustainable and environmentally-conscious.

 

"In the past decades, Malta was characterised by uncontrolled development rather than sustainability. This led to the closure of hotels, which were subsequently converted into apartments or which were left vacant. Tourism policies should not promote such unsustainability, and should not encourage speculation".

"Żminijietna appeals for a holistic national strategy which, prior to granting permission for two additional floors, should study whether this is required. Such studies should incorporate social, environmental and economic impact assessments and should give due importance to concepts such as residents' rights, open spaces, water consumption and solar rights".

 

"If it transpires that there is need for two additional storeys, this should be allowed only in areas which are exclusively touristic, and not in areas charactersied by residential zones. Besides, development applications for enlarging and building of new hotels in outside development zones should be suspended,” stated Żminijietna - Voice of the Left .

 

 

Press Release 4/5/14

Hands off Wied Garnaw - Żminijietna

 
Żminijietna - Voice of the Left expressed its support of the Action Group to stop the development of a five-storey residence in the Outside Development Zone limits of Santa Lucija and Luqa (MEPA Tracking Number 0155949).
 
“Wied Garnaw was threatened by development years ago, and a coalition of ENGOs, residents and political parties stopped this from happening. The late Labour MP Karl Chircop was prominent in the campaign to stop this development”.
 
“The area is zoned as a rural conservation area and as a valley protection zone. We therefore appeal to all political parties, the local council to oppose the proposed development and to MEPA to reject the application. If such development is approved, it set an ugly precedent for further development in the valley”.
 
We invite concerned citizens to sign the petition at
http://www.change.org/petitions/help-save-wied-garnaw-from-illegal-development-together-we-can-do-it


Press Release 10/4/14