Press 7/06/2006 Malta Governed by Speculation and Destructive Development - environment

Moviment Graffitti declares that notwithstanding the fact that nowadays Maltese citizens are not anymore subjected to colonial rule,they are being subjected to a different type of imposition;the rule of speculators and developers which similarly to the colonial rule is violating rights and limiting one’s freedoms from enjoying the environmental resources of his country.As a result,our country is nowadays torn with huge problems of speculation and unrestrained development,which factors are observed to be threatening the cohesion of Maltese society.The democracy of our country is also observed to be under threat through the fact that decisions of national importance such as those concerning the development of rural areas are being solely endorsed in the interests of the rich and powerful.Besides,one cannot but note the huge discrepancies within the enforcement of environmental laws and regulation whence those causing huge environmental destruction instead of penalized are being awarded.

Moviment Graffitti declares that;

In these last years,our country has witnessed a vast amount of destructive development and speculation,whilst one in every 4 houses remains unoccupied.A lot of permits for large developmental projects have been issued,such as those of Tigne’,Manoel Island and Portomaso, where public land is being developed into commercial and residential mega-projects.One also finds a number of other development plans subject to a lot of controversy,such as the proposed golf courses at Xaghra l-Hamra and Ta’ Cenc and the proposed project at Qui-si-sana.

Our country is losing a lot of land due to the rampant development whilst the price of property remains on an inflated rate.This situation is totally unsustainable,resulting in a lot of environmental damage and lack of adequate open public places.

Moviment Graffitti upholds that MEPA should ensure the protection from development of the little remaining rural land. As a result,the movement wholly disagrees with the proposed Governmental plan for extending the present area of development.On the other hand ,it would be much cleverer and sustainable if government addresses the problem of speculation arising from vacant residences.In this regard,the Movement upholds that government should taxate vacant building.

Moviment Graffitti believes that MEPA has an important role to play with regards to environmental protection, however the movement expresses disappointment with the fact that certain measures endorsed by the Authority point to the fact that developers have a very strong leverage MEPA should be totally autonomous from partisan and business enterprises.The Movement also feels the need for a restructuring process within the MEPA’s decision taking boards.Apart from governmental appointed representatives,the boards should encompass a wide civil society representation including environmental non governmental organizations and Local Councils.On the other hand,there should be no representatives from the two main political parties which may have certain vested interests.

As a result,in view of the present circumstances,Moviment Graffitti believes that there exists a network of reciprocal relationships between the powers of the state,the main political parties and certain developers which network may impinge on the credibility of the decision making process of the MEPA.Notwithstanding,the movement also recognizes a strong increase in environmental consciousness by the general public.

The Movement declares that along with other organizations and individuals,it will continue to work in favor of environmental protection,whilst remaining active against the destruction carried out by speculation and unsustainable development.