Representatives of various communities and organisations addressed a joint press conference on Saturday morning outside the Planning Authority calling for urgent and radical changes in the environment and planning sectors.
The representatives highlighted how several planning policies are “wreaking havoc” in communities around Malta and Gozo and are “leading to the rapid degradation of our natural environment.”
They also decried what the described as “the total malfunctioning of public authorities that, instead of working for the common good, are actively enabling the deterioration of our quality of life, the destruction of our national heritage and the severe loss of biodiversity, in order to appease developers.”
Those present underlined that there is still much to be saved. “We cannot afford to surrender to the forces of greed. It has been shown time and again that the people have power when they unite, organise and push for meaningful change.”
The Xebbajtuna! national protest taking place next Saturday will call for a “change in the planning policies that are harming our country, for transparent and independent public authorities that are not controlled by politicians and business, and for a sustainable economic model that seeks the fair and efficient use of resources rather than endless economic growth,” they said.
The communities and organisations stated that the Xebbajtuna! national protest will give the people the opportunity to fight for what they deserve: a planning system that seeks the common good instead of the profits of the few.
They encouraged the public to attend the national protest Xebbajtuna! Bidla fl-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar ISSA! on Saturday, the 27th of May [1].
The national protest has been called by eight organisations, namely: Moviment Graffitti, Din l-Art Helwa, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, BirdLife Malta, Ghawdix, Ramblers Association Malta, Nature Trust – FEE Malta and Friends of the Earth Malta.
It has already been endorsed by over 70 groups, including students,’ social, cultural, heritage and residents’ organisations. The full list of endorsing groups so far can be found on www.xebbajtuna.org [2]
Photo: Moviment Graffitti