AD says Wied il-Għasel development is unsustainable

In a press conference held in Mosta this morning  Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) and the environmental group Ħarsien Patrimonju Mosta said that the proposed development at Wied il-Għasel is unsustainable.

AD Spokesperson on sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo said there are too many vacant properties and there is no need for further development on a large scale in Mosta.

He said "The development permit for an existing building to be demolished and for a number of apartments, penthouses and garages to be developed in its stead should be withdrawn because the land for which the permit was issued is in part land which forms part of the ecological system associated with Wied il-Għasel." 

The Green Party said the development which is taking place in Wied il-Għasel is destroying one of the few remaining open spaces close to the centre of Mosta. AD said the original application was for 24 apartments and a number of penthouses together with 26 garages. 

Cacopardo added "It is pertinent to question the need for this type of massive development in Mosta which will see the building of more residential units when the 2005 census had already indicated that over 16% of 7137 residences in Mosta, amounting to 1151 units, were vacant."

The building of residences which remain unoccupied is an added burden on the resources of the Local Council, resources which can easily be utilised to improve the amenities used by the community of Mosta rather than to serve the interests of speculators.

AD also presented its candidate for the Mosta Local Council elections, Robert Callus. He said the presence of Alternattiva Demokratika on the Mosta Local Council will mean that the Council will put environmental issues on its agenda since these affect the quality of life of every resident of Mosta. 

Callus said "The building in Wied il-Għasel means the destruction of part of Mosta's natural heritage which the Mosta Local Council is obliged to protect."