Alternattiva Demokratika has appealed to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to heed its audit officer’s admonitions, after Joe Falzon was reported to be mulling his resignation as planning Ombudsman.
“Alternattiva Demokratika appeals to MEPA to desist forthwith from justifying development of land at all costs. This attitude is not only damaging to the environment but in the long run it is also harmful to the building industry itself,” AD said in a statement.
AD secretary-general Ralph Cassar said the government was displaying a negative attitude to the auditing functions in the country. “In the past this was manifested relative to former ombudsman Joe Sammut. Today this is being done in respect of architect Joe Falzon. Judging by the negative comments dished out from both MEPA itself as well as from its former chairman, it is clear that the audit function is not yet sufficiently appreciated by those appointed to run authorities.”
Falzon said he was considering resigning because he “cannot continue working in such a hostile environment... I haven’t yet decided whether I will be resigning but I’m thinking about it. All this (my work) is a waste of time.”
Falzon’s comments on meetings between developers and MEPA officials being illegal were criticised by both MEPA and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.
MEPA also lashed out at Falzon over his report probing a development permit in Qala, saying he should never even have investigated the report because the matter was still before the appeals board.
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