Residents unite against ODZ old people’s home

The residents objecting to the new development include activists like Catherine Polidano, who had successfully campaigned against the development of a waste separation facility in nearby Wied Garnaw under the previous administration. The application was turned down in 2004.

MaltaToday revealed news of the controversial application, filed by architect Robert Sarsero, who is also a member on MEPA’s new board of appeal, last week. Sarsero was appointed chairman of the Malta Freeport Corporation in 2013.

Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi, who lives in Santa Lucija, is also objecting to the development, describing Wied Garnaw as the “green belt” surrounding the locality.

Azzopardi warned that if the application in Wied Garnaw is approved, it sets a precedent to gradually allow development in other parts of Wied Garnaw. “I am simply flabbergasted at the applicant’s gall to violate this pristine valley. I call upon all people of good will, whatever their political beliefs, to join us in taking a principled stand.”

Azzopardi warned that if approved, the application would be another sign of the current government’s pandering to the construction industry.

The four-storey home for the elderly is being proposed on 4,472 square metres of ODZ land along Luqa Road, next to the Garnaw Valley reservoir.

Architect Robert Sarsero, who sits on MEPA’s review of tribunal, filed the application on behalf of applicant Neville Schembri, a director and shareholder in Healthmark Care Services, a company providing home care and support services to seniors and persons who need help at home because of illness or disability.