Front Ħarsien ODZ suspicious over Ta’ Ċenċ referendum

Front Ħarsien ODZ has expressed its suspicion over the legitimacy of the referendum that will be held in Sannat this Saturday, given its sudden announcement.

"In the democratic world, referendum dates are announced months in advance so as to enable proper debate. The Gozitan and Maltese public got to know about the Sannat referendum regarding development in Ta' Ċenċ only 5 days in advance through the press," the NGO said in a statement.

The local council announced the consultative referendum just yesterday.

"Moreover, the issue to be discussed is being misrepresented. No mention is made of the fifteen villas that make up part of the project which Sannat residents are being consulted on," the NGO added.

Reports say that residents had raised concerns over the referendum question as the letter notifying them of the referendum sent by the local council made no mention of neither the question to be voted on, nor the 15 villas.

Front Ħarsien ODZ once again invited the Labour-led council in Sannat to oppose the ODZ development.

The development saga has been ongoing since 1996, and in March, what was then MEPA once again rejected, on appeal, the developer’s proposal.

Environmental organisations haveobjected to the development for years.

Voting will take place between 7:00 and 19:00 at the council offices. Residents registered in the electoral registry as of April are eligible to vote.