Labour: so the environment truly comes last

The Prime Minister’s gurus have come up with this pathetic idea of requesting the public to submit ideas for alternative sites. Not only does it sound pathetic, it looks so too. Isn’t it pathetic when someone asks for an alternative site, but simultaneously insists on finding alternative agricultural fields for the affected farmers? This is a sign that the government is in a panic, as the chorus against the project gets bigger by the hour. Hunters and environmentalists have come together in a rare sign of unity, against this madness. 

Alternative sites and MEPA

As the saying goes, if there is a will, there is a way. For there to be a way, there must however be a will. We have seen a lot of talk, but the Prime Minister hasn’t been able to let Zonqor go, at least by the time this article goes to print. Two weeks have passed, since my last opinion in Maltatoday. In my last opinion, unsurprisingly also about the Zonqor project, I analysed how MEPA’s CEO office, acted as both judge and jury.

Transparency, or the lack of it

Since then, I have requested the preliminary assessment that was made on three separate occasions. First through a parliamentary question, which came with the most transparent answer of all times – that the answer would be given in some other sitting. On the second occasion, I made a formal request at the MEPA board. The third occasion was at the Parliamentary Committee for Environment and Planning, where I reminded the MEPA CEO of my request made a couple of days earlier. So much effort for the most transparent government in history! After all these trials and tribulations, I was finally made privy to the report, only to be warned by the MEPA chairman that I was to keep it under wraps until tomorrow when it will be published in Parliament.  

The Petroleum Division in Birzebbuga and Labour myths

In line with Simon Busuttil’s style of doing politics, the Opposition has gone one step further and proposed alternative sites for the siting of the so-called “American University”. The petroleum division in Birzebbuga, an area half the size that identified at Zonqor, is scheduled for dismantling. The government tried to ridicule the idea by stating that the site was not suitable, as it had to be decontaminated. It tried to make us all believe that this is some no-go area, damned for eternity. What will be damned for eternity is the Zonqor area if that goes through. 

The government is on record saying that the classes will initially be delivered at Smart City until the Zonqor development is completed. In that case, is this government incapable of convincing the investors to do likewise until the Birzebbuga site is decontaminated? This is a government which promised to build a power station in two years, but fails to dismantle and decontaminate a site, which requires much less effort. 

The Zonqor-Sewage Treatment Plant comparison gone wrong

The JM gurus came up with this hastily organised idea of calling a press conference next to Ta’ Barkat to justify the take-up of ODZ land. Just as Leo Brincat’s presence at the heads of agreement’s amateurish event was uncalled for, his presence at Ta’ Barkat was a disaster for his reputation as Environment Minister. He has indeed become a de facto Development Minister. 

Being responsible for the country’s waste, Leo Brincat should be the first to know of the environmental benefits brought about thanks to the Ta’ Barkat sewage treatment plant. This tasteless stint was all the more uncalled for, in light of the EU’s water bathing statistics incidentally published a few days after, classifying Malta’s water as the cleanest among its Member States. Anyone still uncertain as to whether the Ta’ Barkat plant was necessary, should have changed his mind by now. 

Ta’ Barkat and the “American University” are distinct also because almost nobody in his right frame of mind would want to live beside a sewage treatment plant. Living next to a University, is a completely different thing. The latter comes with its own challenges, but ask anyone to select between sewage and congestion, and you’ll understand why the two projects are completely different. 

An Opposition growing stronger

Looking back over the past two years, it is remarkable how the Nationalist Opposition has come out of its shutters, and grown into a constructive and reliable partner. We shall continue to listen, keep in mind past mistakes, but look forward to a better future.