Opposition questions rationale of approving AUM land transfers pending accreditation

While the Malta Environment and Planning Authority is “still considering” other sites as an alternative to Żonqor for the construction of an AUM campus, the parliament’s National Audit Office met this afternoon to discuss a transfer-of-lands resolution to Sadeen Group.

The committee met earlier this afternoon to discuss the land transfer contract, which was passed on to the Opposition members yesterday evening “at 8pm”.

Although a decision has been postponed pending further scrutiny to be made by the parliamentary committee, the Opposition questioned the rationale behind the resolution’s approval pending the accreditation of the American University of Malta by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE).

Ahead of the meeting, Front Harsien ODZ pointed out that MEPA CEO Johann Buttigieg had solemnly declared other sites may be considered as an alternative to Żonqor.

“Any transfer of land before this process is concluded amounts to a breach of this commitment,” the Front said in a press statement.

The resolution as read out by Education Minister Evarist Bartolo made specific reference to the campus in Zonqor – which will be spread over 31,000 square metres – and Dock 1 in Cospicua.

Next week, the parliamentary committee will discuss in detail the land contract with further points to be raised during a plenary session in parliament.

Bartolo said that the transfer of land contract “did not give any guarantees” that Sadeen Group could go ahead with the project.

“The AUM can only operate once the accreditation is in place. The transfer of land depends on the NCFHE’s accreditation,” he said.

Opposition MP Jason Azzopardi went on to question the purpose of seeking approval on the resolution, before the NCFHE gives its green light to the project.

“Isn’t it putting the cart before the horse? Doesn’t it give the impression that the accreditation process is a sham or a foregone conclusion?” he asked.

Bartolo however reassured the committee that accreditation process was “an elaborate and complicated process” that involved each programme to be scrutinised and ensuring that it was in line with the Bologna Process. The academic staff also needed to be accredited.

PN MP Tonio Fenech asked why the government had not issued an expression of interest, in a bid to attract “more established names such as Harvard” in view of what the government was offering.

Bartolo replied that there were various “renowned institutions” that had applied for accreditation with the NCFHE, but who did not request a site.

No clear-cut answer was given as to why the resolution needed to be approved now, whilst Fenech pointed out that the committee did not know who the promoters of the project were.

In agreement between both sides, and following an animated intervention by opposition whip David Agius, the committee was adjourned for next Monday, with the possibility of further discussions on Tuesday morning.