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James Debono
Deflated enthusiasm for yet another government sponsored project: this time it is Lawrence Gonzi’s golf course, for which the environmental impact assessment has not yet been concluded. The Ministry for Tourism and Culture does not have a clear timeframe for the EIA on the Xaghra l-Hamra golf course, a spokesperson confirming that the EIA will be published “when the entire assessment is concluded, in line with the EIA regulations.”
The ministry said the EIA is still in its initial baseline study phase.
Signs of jaded commitment are emerging now after the ministry had announced back in August 2005 that the studies would take place by early 2006. Following these studies the first draft environmental statement was to be presented to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.
Baseline studies are only one of the components of the EIA process. This involves the collation of information on the attributes and qualities of the project site and its surroundings.
Apart from baseline studies, the EIA process also requires the evaluation of the policy content applicable to the project, the assessment of impacts, and the identification of measures to eliminate or reduce risks and negative effects.
Initially the government’s attitude towards this application was marked by a sense of urgency, reflected by a decision to commence baseline studies in Summer, before the publication of the terms of reference for this project.
The government justified its decision by citing the need to undertake certain surveys in summer.
Speaking to MaltaToday in July 2005, EIA coordinator Adrian Mallia said that the reason for conducting these surveys in Summer was to avoid having to wait for another summer.
In July the government had proceeded to terminate agricultural land in Manikata before studies were even commenced. Yet in his budget speech, the Prime Minister changed tack, announcing that he was not prepared to construct a golf course which would require an unsustainable amount of residential development.
In the same budget the government had allocated Lm100,000 to finance studies for the golf course.
jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt
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