Following the report which the MEPA Audit Officer finalised after an AD request for an investigation of MEPA’s processing of the application relative to the Dwejra protected site. Carmel Cacopardo AD Spokesman on Sustainable Development and Local Government said, "the report shows once more that the Environment Protection Directorate has been set aside and practically ignored in the whole process. The fact that the application was processed by the Planning Directorate with minor and informal roles for the Environment Protection Directorate demonstrates how the environment role of MEPA has been reduced to one of mere decoration."

Carmel Cacopardo added, "it is worrying that the MEPA Audit Officer has concluded that the Environment Protection Directorate has abdicated its responsibilities to the Planning Directorate. This is the logical consequence of years of ignoring by MEPA of its environmental responsibilities. This is also reflected in the report’s conclusion that the Environment Protection Directorate has failed to screen the application to establish the impact of the proposed activity and this in direct contrast to the guidelines issued by the EU on the implementation of the Habitats Directive transposed onto the Maltese statute book as per Legal Notice 311 of 2006."

Michael Briguglio Chairman of AD added, "the report concluded that MEPA was aware at least since the 14th of October 2010 that the applicant was not observing the conditions which it had established yet it remained static and apprehensive as it wanted to avoid litigation and action for damages for possible disruption of filming activities. This is grossly irresponsible and AD expects an explanation from the MEPA CEO who needs to also explain why no monitoring was carried out when the permit clearly explained that this was to be carried out at the applicant’s expense.The substantial sums of money being paid by the taxpayer to finance MEPA are not resulting in responsible management. "

Finally AD insisted that Mr Austin Walker, as one of the most paid CEOs in the public sector, does not only owe the public an explanation but he must also shoulder responsibility for MEPA’s inability to react.

Permalink: AD slams MEPA Audit Officer’s report on the Dwejra Fiasco