Zminijietna – Voice of the Left believes that the main issue surrounding government’s MEPA reform proposals is government’s own direction with regard to the environment and development.
Through its proposals, Government will simply clearly define a role which it already had, namely controlling MEPA’s policies. Previously, Government used to hide behind MEPA whilst pushing its agenda, as was the case with the land rationalization process.
The recently approved permit at Ta’ Xerri il-Bukkett on the Qala Promenade is a case in point, whereby Government’s local plans justified development in an area which was previously classified as ODZ (Outside Development Zone). Zminijietna believes that the local plans should be revised to stop unsustainable development in ODZ areas, as further anomalies such as the one at Qala promenade will be created.
On the other hand Zminijietna – Voice of the Left agrees with some of the proposed reforms at MEPA, but in concrete terms one has to see how these will be implemented. Government’s crass disregard of various EU environmental directives – the SEA directive being a case in point, does not augur well for the implementation of MEPA reforms proposed by the same Government. Infact, it is very disappointing to see that the implementation of EU environmental directives is missing from the MEPA reform.
Government’s proposal regarding Environmental NGO (ENGO) representation on the MEPA board is an example of co-option and institutionalization. If Government is really in favour of ENGO representation, there should be more than one representative, and these should be chosen by NGOs themselves. Besides, social and cultural NGOs should also be represented on the MEPA board.
Zminijietna believes that MEPA reform is all about working in line within its own policies and having accountable decision-makers.
In both respects, MEPA has failed miserably, and Government’s direction does not augur well. The Nationalist Government has given way to unsustainable development and environmental degradation in the interest of big business interests.
David Pisani
PRO – Zminijietna – Voice of the Left
Any comments?
If you wish your comments to be published in our Letters pages please click button below. Please write a contact number and a postal address where you may be contacted.
Download front page in pdf file format
All the interviews from Reporter on MaltaToday's YouTube channel.
