Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, Arnold Cassola, has revealed that the area between Qui Si Sana and Tigne could contain a number of caves, the whereabouts of which can only be identified if a geological survey is carried out.
Carmel Cacopardo, AD spokesperson on Sustainability and Local Government explained : “Several shallow caverns exist in the Tigne area, some of which are known to have been penetrated by piles (reinforced concrete columns drilled into the ground and cast in situ) during the construction of foundations at the Fort Cambridge site. There are also indications of several large faults in the area some of which have already been observed along the coast and reported on in the Report on Coastal Sliema commissioned by the Sliema Local Council in 2007 with reference to the stability of the Ghar id-Dud and Ghar il-Lembi caves. This issue and others which may eventually result require detailed examination through the commissioning of a geological survey which would confirm their existence, identify precisely their magnitude and possible impacts. The permissible development in the Area could then be seen in the light of the geological constraints identified.”
Sliema AD Local Councillor Michael Briguglio said that “MEPA has so far failed to meet the request of Sliema Local Council for a social impact assessment (SIA). Briguglio said that “all councillors from the three political parties agree with the need for the SIA, which should comprise a scientific sociological survey of residents and other stakeholders as well as a sociological analysis of impacts of the proposed development on the community’s quality of life in terms of lifestyle, pollution, transport, community life and access to open areas.”
Prof. Cassola said that Alternattiva Demokratika will be represented at the MEPA hearing on Fort Cambridge on Thursday by AD Local Councillor Michael Briguglio. “Unfortunately, MEPA have refused to accept reservations for places at the hearing for me and AD Spokesperson on Sustainable Development and Local Government Architect Cacopardo, on the grounds that Alternattiva Demokratika is not a registered objector.”