ADPD condemns lack of environmental assessment for Marsaskala ferry

ADPD-The Green Party insisted that the ferry service from Marsaskala to Valletta must not be carried out without the necessary studies being published.

They expressed their disappointment that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), which is entrusted to ensure that Malta’s environment is properly safeguarded, waived the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project.

ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci reiterated that projects must always be accompanied by proper studies in order to understand the feasibility of any project not just from an economic perspective but also in terms of its environmental impact.

“It’s called good governance,” Gauci remarked.

On Wednesday afternoon, Transport Minister Chris Bonnett announced that the ferry is expected to start operating by the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027.

“Bonnett is in a frenzy to be seen pushing projects forward because of the election campaign,” said Brian Decelis, ADPD electoral candidate on the third district.

The party said that they “deplore” the fact that Bonnett seems hell bent on going ahead with the project and other projects in Marskala without proper consultation with residents.

Moreover, the party emphasised that the project’s impact on surrounding the residential zone must be taken into consideration, since passengers will inevitably increase traffic in the area.