Updated | Front Harsien ODZ wants clarifications on PN policy

Front Harsien ODZ has called on the PN to be clear and have binding commitments after Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said his party will be defining  exceptions to  the proposed ban on ODZ development.

"We call on the PN to come up with clear and binding policies  regulating  ODZ development to which it will be held accountable if  elected in government. We also expect the party to present these  policies in a reasonable time-frame and not on the eve of the general  election, to ensure a healthy debate with civil society."

Front Harsien ODZ reiterated its position against ODZ development  beyond the upkeep of the  national infrastructure and real  agricultural needs. "Current policies like the SPED are full of  generic and vague exceptions  for ODZ development while other policies  like the rural policy approved in 2014 include many loopholes which  facilitate objectionable ODZ developments."

FHODZ also said the PN should also explain how its policies regulating ODZ development will be binding, especially in those cases where these would conflict with other national policies that are already in place. "Front Harsien ODZ expects all political parties to be clear, honest and coherent in their policies, and we will be holding each party accountable on this in the run-up to the general election. ODZ policy and rhetoric should not be used to justify ODZ development, but to protect ODZ land for present and future generations."

In a reaction, the PN said that Busuttil had declared that no development should take place on ODZ areas, but exceptional cases such as that for agricultural purposes, should be made clearer and in a more transparent manner.

The PN is carrying out a public consultation process on environmental policy that will define these exceptions. "The PN is not about to promise a roadmap that goes nowhere, but it will be clear and transparent so that everyone knows where the party stands well before the election. The PN welcomes the Front Harsien ODZ's proposals on the subject."