Front warns Mosta shooting range ‘prejudicing MEPA’s future decisions’

Front Harsien ODZ has called on the government to reverse its decision to develop a shooting range in land outside development zones at Busbesija, Mosta, warning that doing so will “clearly prejudice MEPA’s future decisions”.

“The area being proposed will occupy land the size of 14 football pitches and is located 300 metres away from the Mosta boys’ secondary school close to residents, a retreat house and public roads,” the Front said in a statement.  “The area is one of high landscape value as designated in the Central Local Plan. The government’s decision to allocate this land to a group of Russian entrepreneurs is an example of how the common good is being sacrificed for private profit making interest.”

The Front also argued that the area of huts which the government intends to allocate to U Group following an expression of interest only covers around 5000 metres square, while that of the whole complex of shooting ranges including the huts covers an area of over 70,000 metres square.

The group said that the sheet scale of this development is unsustainable in a country of Malta’s small size.

The Front called on government to consult the public on the use of public land which it wants to allocate to businessmen.

“It is clear that local communities have more important educational and cultural needs than a shooting range,” they said, while insisting that the Mosta local council declare its position on the proposed development.

Mosta residents last week launched a new organisation ‘Mostin u Hbieb Kontra x-Shooting Range’ (Mosta residents and friends against the shooting range).