Flimkien ghal-Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) yesterday welcomed the resignation of architect Catherine Galea, deputy chairman of the Malta Environmental and Planning Authority.
Her resignation was prompted following an investigation by MaltaToday on a development in Santa Marija Estate, Mellieha, which was approved in violation of MEPA regulations. The architect involved was Catherine Galea herself.
FAA said it was immediately compelled to note the evident conflict of interest and request that the case be investigated by the authorities. “The Ministry of the Environment promptly entered into regular and positive consultation with FAA on this matter, and FAA now looks forward to further action by the respective authorities and bodies – including MEPA and the Chamber of Architects – in order to rectify of the damage done to residents and the environment in the area around the Mellieha development.”
FAA augured that all professionals within MEPA and those which sit on MEPA Boards reflect on Galea’s resignation and that MEPA as an institution considers its operations and policies so as to allow for greater transparency and eliminate any possibility of conflicting interests from within its various boards and committees, if necessary by enacting changes to the Development Planning Act.
“FAA would like to reiterate its determination in bringing to the fore any case relating to improper or illegal developments affecting our limited land area and the rights of residents. FAA has since its formation insisted on the upholding of ethics within MEPA and for the authority to stop considering requests for permits in any protected zone – be they outside development zone, scheduled structures or buffer zones of nature reserves.”
FAA praised the minister’s courageous move in demanding Galea’s resignation because Malta has no culture promoting resignations and because Pullicino was ready to withdraw his trust after appointing Galea to the MEPA board when her position was no longer tenable.
“FAA looks forward to this possibly marking a new era of better relations between Government and residents where questionable practices or developments are concerned.”