Flimkien Ghall-Ambjent Ahjar has welcomed the PN’s commitment to make the environment a priority sector if re-elected.
Less than two years ago, FAA took to the streets to protest with colourful placards with epigrams like “Vote Gonzi, Get Caqnu – that better PM?”, referring to the notorious building contractor Charles Polidano and the government’s decision to extend the building development zones.
But so far FAA and other environmental NGOs have remained silent during the electoral campaign.
Contacted by Maltatoday, Astrid Vella welcomed the Prime Minister’s latest move to take over the Malta Environment and Planning Authority under his portfolio. Asked how this contrasts with placards which likened the prime minister to construction magnate Charles Polidano, Astrid Vella said:
“Well, one cannot shoot down a positive proposal because of a negative track record,” she crisply replied.
But in comments sent by email to MaltaToday, Vella also listed a number of issues which are still being ignored by the Prime Minister. “FAA urges that the problem of Malta’s over 53,000 empty dwelling units, the critical lack of public open spaces, shrinking countryside and threatened heritage be addressed with equal commitment in order to ensure an environment that is truly sustainable.”
According to Vella the announced reform of MEPA is an urgent concern, essential in order to “instil environmental justice for all.”
She also noted that being an arid island, Malta is very vulnerable to climate change, and “therefore a much greater effort is needed in this area without dismissing any options including on-shore wind turbines.”
The Prime Minister has excluded the development of on-shore wind farms, pinning his hopes on deep water wind farms – a technology which is still being developed in Scotland.