Busuttil donates money to anti high-rise campaign, urges public to follow suit

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil has donated a sum of money to a fund-raising campaign that was launched by environmental organisations to fund a proposed appeal against high-rise projects that were recently approved in Sliema and Mriehel.

In a statement, the PN leader urged the public to donate money to the campaign, arguing that “even a small donation can make a difference”.

I am making a donation to help eNGOs raise funds for this appeal and I urge everyone to do the same. @PNmalta https://t.co/9jerCaafNP

— Simon Busuttil (@SimonBusuttil) September 8, 2016

“The Sliema tower is excessive and it will leave negative consequences on residents,” the PN said in a statement.

Environmental NGOs need at least €8,000 to appeal against the Planning Authority’s decision, including €3,500 to lodge the appeal.

The ‘Cause Worth Fighting For’ campaign was launched on Monday by Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar, along with Din l-Art Helwa, Friends of the Earth Malta and the Ramblers’ Association. On the same day, Din l-Art Helwa broke away to launch its own separate fundraising campaign called ‘Stop The Greed’.

FAA coordinator Astrid Vella confirmed that the green NGOs will pool the money earned through the two fundraising campaigns to finance one joint appeal against the high-rise projects.

“Environmental NGOs will present a united front against these project,” she told MaltaToday.

The Sliema local council will also file an appeal against the Townsquare project at the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal.

The tribunal is chaired by planning official Martin Saliba, and also includes architect and Freeport chairman Robert Sarsero and lawyer Simon Micallef Stafrace, a former Labour candidate. Due to planning conflicts of interest, Sarsero is often substituted by Labour-leaning lawyer Andy Ellul.

To donate to Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar’s campaign:

BOV: A/c 400-1851-6481, (IBAN:MT03VALL22013000000040018516481)

Credit card: https://ticketengine.faa.org.mt/

Cheque: Send to 23 St Anne Street, Floriana 9012.

All donations should be marked: FAA/FoE/RAM Receipts will be sent to all those who include contact information with their donation.

To donate to Din l-Art Helwa’s campaign:

HSBC: IBAN MT76MMEB44336000000033181181001
BOV: IBAN MT51VALL22013000000040021787427
APS: IBAN MT02APSB77024000892010892010012

SMS: 

50617910 for a donation of €4.66
50619298 for a donation of €11.65

Credit card: Visit http://dinlarthelwa.org/donation/

Cheque: Din l-Art Helwa at 133 Melita St., Valletta

All donations will be acknowledged and funds accounted for.