Il-Kollettiv calls out Zurrieq MPs for refusing to discuss overdevelopment

Il-Kollettiv has called out Zurrieq elected representatives for refusing to participate in discussions on overconstruction, traffic, and overpopulation in the district. 

“This is particularly frustrating since Zurrieq is one of the towns most affected by George Pullicino’s rationalisation exercise of 2006," they said, announcing a rally on 17 May at Nigret to hold what they call the only non-partisan space of the electoral campaign.

The event, titled Għan-Nigret, Għal Kulħadd (For Nigret, for Us All), will be held on the site of a massive 11,500sq.m area slated for the development of apartments and garages on agricultural land.

The development reemerged in recent months following a lengthy hiatus. In 2023, former planning Minister George Pullicino submitted a rezoning application for the 11,500sqm site. However, they said, it was only approved by Minister Clint Camilleri in December 2024, a year after he assumed control of the Ministry from Stefan Zrinzo Azzopard, who represents the Zurrieq constituency.

Between March and April 2026, four planning applications were submitted, leading residents to organise a campaign to oppose each one. Pullicino is also involved in one of these applications.

The group noted the number of similar applications in the regions, which are threatening the quality of life of residents in neighbouring Safi, Qrendi, Mqabba, Siggiewi, and Birzebbugia, most of which involve government-owned land and approvals from the secretive Lands Authority.

“While the government condemns plots of this size to development with a simple stroke of a pen, Project Green will be pumping its chest at the opening of a garden ten times smaller across town,” the group said.

They said it is open to residents of various towns across Malta, some of whom will be speaking at the event. Il-Kollettiv is encouraging residents and their local councils to attend the only event free of party politics during the coming month.