Local councillors accuse MEPA of ‘ignoring’ their concerns

The College of Local Councillors of the Nationalist Party (KKLPN) expressed its concern at how the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) was ‘ignoring any feedback or objection’ presented by local councils on proposed projects.

According to the College, the latest in a series of such examples occurred yesterday when MEPA approved a permit allowing works on oil rigs to be carried out at the port.

“All the MEPA board-members appointed by the Labour government, with no exceptions, voted in favour of this permit despite the clear objections by the Birzebbuga Local Council,” it said.

The College said that the granting of the permit came after only a few days after MEPA ‘ignored’ issues raised by technical consultants, brought in by the local councils of Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuga on the permits required for the LNG storage vessel, which is to be berthed in Marsaxlokk.

“MEPA should work in the interest of the Maltese, by showing respect towards the local councils – who themselves are there to represent the people,” it said.

“It is totally unacceptable that an Authority like MEPA rolls over all those who express legitimate objections without even addressing such objections.”

It said that this was in stark contrast with the prime minister’s electoral promise that local councils will be given more input in MEPA decisions.