Front Harsien ODZ has expressed its concern at the lack of transparency characterising the site identification of the proposed American University by Sadeen Construction Group.

During a press conference held this morning, Front Harsien ODZ also reiterated its call for the publication of the Heads of Agreement between government and Sadeen Construction Group.

Front Harsien ODZ noted that during last Monday’s meeting of parliament’s committee on planning and development, MEPA Chief Executive Officer Johann Buttigieg confirmed that the agreement was discussed in meetings between his office and the Office of the Prime Minister. “This clearly means that the planning process is being influenced by this agreement which should be published immediately,” the Front said.

The Front Harsien ODZ also expressed its concern at the way the first site selection report was prepared by the office of MEPA’s Chief Executive Office i”n the absence of any consultation with MEPA’s own Environment Protection Directorate and other experts in various fields.”

“It is also shocking that the authors of the report are not identified and the terms of reference have not yet been published. It is also very questionable for a Chief Executive Officer of a public authority to receive instructions from the Office of the Prime Minister to keep the planning process confidential,” the Front said.

Front Harsien ODZ added that it agrees with the statement made by committee chairperson Marlene Farrugia when she told the CEO to “understand that your duty as MEPA CEO, paid from taxpayer money, is towards the Maltese public. Make sure to tell the government when comes up with another request, that ODZ is out of bounds and there are other alternatives.”

With regards to the second site selection exercise Front Harsien ODZ insisted that both the Environment Protection Directorate and the Planning Directorate and that the names of all experts consulted in the report are published. It is also insisting that the site selection is restricted to areas in the development zone with priority being given to already existing buildings.

The Front Harsien ODZ made it clear that it will not be accepting any take up of land in Zonqor and on any other ODZ land for the development of Sadeen Construction Group’s university campus. The Front said that it is also supporting environmental NGOs in their stance against amendments to the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Planning which allow for ODZ development when development within development zones is deemed not to be feasible.

Finally, The Front Harsien ODZ encouraged everyone to participate in next Saturday’s national protest in Valletta which will start in Valletta at 10 am.

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