NGOs decry Mepa's disregard for environmental protection

A number of NGOs united this morning in their criticism of the work carried out by Mepa, with the lack of importance given to the environment being their prime concern.

Among the NGOs present were Flimkien Ghall-Ambjent Ahjar, the Ramblers Association and the Noise Abatement Society of Malta. FAA chairperson Astrid Vella said that legal and environmental consultation was being "curtailed" in most of the developments happening in Malta.

Vella took the Authority to task over the neglect of a number of key heritage sites. She said that sites such as Bighi Hospital and Torri Gauci had only recently been scheduled as such, raising concern on others which are as yet not protected and at risk of demolition.

She also said that recent amendments to Mepa policies allow developers to apply for a property permit under one criterion and are then relatively free to change it.

While claiming that abusive buildings should be demolished at the developer's expense, Vella said that contractors should show proof that they have the financial means to complete their projects, as happens overseas.

Meanwhile Joseph Agius, president of the Ramblers Association, said that it was clear that the environment in Malta was not being given the same importance as other sectors such as the economy.

Referring to Mepa's track record for safeguarding the environment as abysmal, he said that one can only conclude that the environment in Malta did not exist, not even on paper.