[WATCH] Greens demand enforcement on Manoel Island, Armier, fishfarms

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Alternativa Demokratika chairperson Arnold Cassola has welcomed the steps taken by the government against the Manoel Island developers, arguing that there should now be enforcement on Manoel Island against any infringements and other longstanding illegalities in Malta.

In a video message, the AD leader, who today joined activists from Kamp Emergenza Ambjent – the environmentalist group which, together with the Gzira local council, have spearheaded the campaign over the lack of public access to the island’s foreshore – insisted that the enforcement at Manoel Island should be followed by enforcement orders illegalities at the tuna farms, Charles Polidano’s Montekristo Estate, and the illegal Armier boathouses.

The protest over access to the foreshore escalated this week after the government called on Midi, the Tigne Point and Manoel Island developers, to grant access to the foreshore, while the Planning Authority, issued an enforcement order against the company for the illegal setting up of gates.

“I hope that the enforcement against the illegalities on Manoel Island would be followed by the removal of other illegalities in Malta for the people to be able to enjoy the heritage that is theirs by right,” the AD leader said.

Cassola also said that the Green Party was behind Kamp Emergenza Ambjent and welcomed calls by the government and the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat for the public to be granted access to the foreshore.

Alternativa Demokratika has reiterated that Manoel Island should be reclaimed by the government and maintained as an Eco Island Natural Park, with only pedestrians and bicycles allowed inside.

On Sunday, the Malta Developers Association called on the Manoel Island development consortium to grant permanent access to the foreshore, insisting that the public’s “right” should be put into practice and respected.

Moreover, on Saturday, activists from Kamp Emergenza Ambjent once again through Midi’s gates, having already done so two weeks ago.

The outline development permit the PA issued to MIDI in 1999 including a condition that the foreshore be made accessible “throughout the construction and operational phases” of the consortium’s plans. The foreshore is not included in Midi’s concession agreement, but the company is adamant that it has no obligation to provide access.

Activists and the Gzira local council have insisted that MIDI have an obligation to grant full access to the foreshore.