Church urges government to commission own study on property development

The Church Environment Commission (KA) has said that, while it acknowledges the benefit of a study on property development being commissioned by the Malta Developers Association (MDA), it feels this should be commissioned by the government rather than the private sector.

“We invite government to fund a long overdue and truly national study on the demand and supply of Maltese properties and the fiscal and economic environment that has a bearing on them. The terms of reference for such a study should be issued for public consultation and enjoy the widest agreement possible by all stakeholders,” said the KA.

According to a position paper issued by the KA, only in this way can a study serve as an effective instrument for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development, and the setting out and executing of the Local Plans.

Moreover, it said that the fact that auditing firm KPMG has been engaged to carry out the study is a “positive move,” as it would be folly to take rash decisions on issues that are crucial to the country given the limited space.  

It warned however that that the study being commissioned by the private sector introduces the risk of inferences being drawn that are not holistic enough for the right decisions on a national level.

“The feeling that one is already aware of what the results of a study will show before the completion of such study, does not augur well,” said the KA.

The commission insisted that the progress of a nation should not be based simply on economic indicators, without considering social and environmental aspects, and how they are affected by decisions taken.

“The KA appeals that as a nation we would learn from past mistakes, and commit ourselves to a more sustainable future, where the indicator for a good quality of life would not be financial gain, but a sense of justice, respect for all creation and solidarity,” it concluded.