AD Spokesperson on Sustainable Development and Local Government Carmel Cacopardo has said that a Social Impact Assessment of the Fort Cambridge project in Sliema as proposed by Sliema AD Local Councillor Michael Briguglio with the unanimous support of the Sliema Local Council should be carried out without further delay.

Michael Briguglio said that the “Sliema Local Council had requested MEPA to carry out a Social Impact Assessment for the Fort Cambridge Project. This would require a sociological study using proper scientific methods such as surveys, through which the perceptions of Sliema residents and other stakeholders such as civil society organisations can be obtained. A proper social impact assessment should also analyse the social implications and repercussions of the Fort Cambridge project on the residents quality of life.”

“MEPA had already tried to avoid carrying out an Environmental Impact Assessment on the Fort Cambridge Project, but had to backtrack following pressure from the EU, Alternattiva Demokratika, the media and environmental NGOs. Judging from the replies of MEPA representatives to my query regarding the Social Impact Assessment in MEPA’s recent board meeting on Fort Cambridge project, it appears that MEPA is not giving due importance to the scientific methods needed for a proper social impact assessment. If such an assessment is not be carried out, this would mean that MEPA is disregarding the aspirations and concerns of Sliema residents,” added Briguglio.

AD Spokesperson Carmel Cacopardo concluded by saying, “This project has been dogged with irregularities. The plans submitted were at odds with the Development Brief, the EIA requirement was waived. It was only at the last minute that MEPA postponed consideration of the project at its forthcoming meeting due to be held next Thursday, thereby giving the opportunity to one and all to view and if necessary submit comments on the new drawings submitted. This is certainly not the way to tackle the accumulating environmental deficit. Unless MEPA factors in the community in its deliberations the reform we were so solemnly promised last March would be just another exercise in greenwash.”

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