'One step forward, two steps back at Zonqor' - Front Harsien ODZ

Front Harsien ODZ notes that the land the government has added on to the natural park footprint in Zonqor is already a designated green area and in public ownership

Front Harsien ODZ said that the government's plans for the national part at Zonqor has to be seen in the context of public land of ecological value lost for the non-American non-University of Sadeen. 

"This is a typical case of 'one step forward, two steps back'. The land transferred to Sadeen Group was identified as part of a national park in the 2006 local plan. By allowing such development the government would be sacrificing 18,000 square meters of park land, which, according to present planning regulations, cannot be developed."

The Front notes that the government has added 44,000m2 of undeveloped coastal land to the proposed park. This area however is primarily rocky beach - it is designated as green area and already in public ownership. It is absurd that the government expects the Maltese public to accept their own beaches as compensation for the loss of ODZ.

While welcoming plans to implement the natural park proposals, the Front expressed its disappointment that the plan is being proposed concurrently with plans to turn part of Zonqor in to a building site.

"It is a great pity that the park is being established concurrently with the take up of ODZ land. The Front will continue objecting to the proposed Sadeen non-American non-University. It simply makes no sense to create a building site next to a natural park."