The twelve environment NGOs organising the protest in defence of Malta’s environment said in a statement today that they are presently in communication with the Police in order to obtain the necessary permits to hold the demonstration as planned.

“The original date of November 30th had to be postponed because of the flooded roads caused by the heavy rain, the result of the lack of land use planning over these last decades.,” the NGOs said. A new date will be announced as soon as the permit has been obtained.

The twelve NGOs involved are, Birdlife Malta, Din l-Art Helwa, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Gaia Foundation, Greenhouse Malta, Malta Organic Agriculture Movement, Moviment Graffitti, NatureTrust Malta, Ramblers Malta, Y4TE and Why Not?

“Supporters of the demonstration are advised to remain alert for notification of the new protest date at the earliest possible occasion.” The NGOs added that they “note the positive announcement by Parliamentary Secretary Micheal Farrugia that enforcement in ODZ areas will be increased.

However, they said they wish to highlight the fact that “what will make or break Malta’s environment are the new policies which are currently under consultation. It might well be the case that no enforcement will have to take place because the abuses which have been committed in the past years will now be considered legal under the new planning regime. Furthermore allowing buildings to rise to 10 floors all over Malta has very serious implications for both residents and the economy.”

The statement by the NGOs conculded that,”in the coming days, the environment NGOs will be issuing a manifesto for planning reform in favour of real progress, in favour of citizens, the protection of the public good and that of future generations.”

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