Joseph Muscat at a press conference this morning announced the Labour Party proposals for MEPA reform.

He said that the reforms will separate the functions of planning and environment that so far form part of the same Authority.

The Labour Leader said that the current Resources Authority will form part of a new Environment and Resources Authority that will be pro-active and will focus on the protection, conservation and improvement of the environment, at the same time assuming the role of an environmental regulator which so far, does not exist.

“Planning functions should be more professional.” Joseph Muscat said and the Authority should focus on “reducing bureaucratic procedures and on giving professionals, such as architects, planners and engineers, more responsibility and accountability. This will lead to the formation of the Planning and Sustainable Development Authority.”

He explained that the Environment and Resources Authority would have a voting representative on the Board of the Planning and Sustainable Development Authority. “Both Authorities will also be subject to public scrutiny and this will take place through the introduction of a Parliamentary Committee on Planning and the Environment, that will monitor the policies of these Authorities.”

Dr Muscat said. “Another proposal which will be part of this reform is the introduction of sessions in Gozo, which will deal specifically with cases related to planning and development in Gozo.

“A new government will ensure that in projects which will have a major impact on specific localities, the Local Councils of the directly affected area will have a right to vote on the Board which decides on the planning application. Joseph Muscat said that, to date, the Local Councils are given only a secondary voice, but the PL wants the citizens to have a direct voice in such matters.”

With respect to the enforcement aspect, Joseph Muscat announced that a new Government will embark on a consolidation exercise of all elements related to enforcement to avoid overlapping whilst maximising efficiency in this aspect

The PL Leader also mentioned issues related to minor planning and sanitary laws. Muscat stated that the PL is aware that there are a number of pending cases which are taking years to be resolved, with negative consequences on genuine owners. A new Government is committed to address these cases in a responsible manner in the shortest time possible.

“We are committed to give an effective voice to environmental organisations” added Muscat. “Thus a new Government will be giving the opportunity to environment NGOs to suggest individuals to represent them on the Environment and Resources Authority as well as on the Planning and Sustainable Development Authority.”

At the same time due importance will be given to NGOs working in this sector. A specific fund will be set up through which these organisations may benefit financially to be in a better position to operate more effectively.

This is a true reform of the MEPA, stated Joseph Muscat. “A reform which will emphasise the accountability of the Authorities as well as the professionals. A reform which will empower professionals to work in a better way, will maximise efficiency and also reduce bureaucracy.”

In response to Labour’s statement on MEPA reform, Michael Briguglio AD Chairperson, said, “Labour’s proposals on MEPA reform show that the environment is relegated to 2nd division status, as is the case with the Nationalist Party. Instead of promising amnesties to building irregularities and to further weaken the environment section.

“AD is expecting a proper reform of MEPA, so that it can truly protect the environment and common citizens against overdevelopmen. In particular, MEPA’s decision-making structures and the Directorate for the Protection of the Environment need to be strengthened. PL is proposing to further isolate the latter, thus adding more uncertainty in the process.

“In parliament AD will propose that MEPA and the Malta Resources Authority are brought together in one authority. In a consolidated authority the environmental function should be central and should lead the Planning Directorate to take a secondary role.

“We are also proposing that whilst Government retains the right to appoint members of this consolidated Authority this should only be done after Parliament, though a Select Committee, consents to the proposed appointments. Parliament would be in a position to consider whether to give its consent after its Select Committee examines in a public hearing the proposed candidates. Every candidate would be examined in public on his/her experience and qualifications relative to the proposed post.

“With reference to the representation of civil society sitting on the Board of the Authority, nominations should come directly from the affected bodies such as environmental NGOs. There should be no members of parliament, less public officers and more representatives of civil society in the consolidated authority.

“All elements of the environment – air, water and land deserve a stronger vision, that address the needs of the Maltese public for health and quality of life,” Michael Briguglio concluded.

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