Farrugia takes AD’s proposals to parliament on MEPA demerger

Government turns down independent MP's request to legally bind itself into improving quality of life when developing land 

The government has turned down independent MP Marlene Farrugia’s request to legally bind itself into enhancing people’s quality of life when developing land.

In a parliamentary committee sitting debating one of three Bills for the proposed MEPA demerger, Farrugia recommended that a clause within the draft law be amended so as to ultimately allow e-NGOs to take governments to court over perceived injustices in the environment.

“The environment is part of our shared heritage, and we have to preserve it for future environments,” she said, stressing that it was essential to stop governments promising one thing and doing another in this respect.

Farrugia said that her amendments were presented on behalf of Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Arnold Cassola.

“The only way to ensure that the MEPA demerger proves successful in quashing out abuses is give the people added power to take action when they are dissatisfied about the government’s action, or lack thereof, in environmental matters,” she said.

“The government is being presented with the opportunity to show the public it is ready to walk the talk.”

Opposition MP Ryan Callus said that the proposal brought to the fore the central issue of “who would guard the guardian”.

“If this opportunity isn’t taken, then it would show that we don’t want to learn,” he said.

The government voted against the amendment.