Moviment Graffitti has said that it views the Government’s plan “to split Sadeen’s private University between Bormla and Marsascala as unacceptable since this will still use a tract of ODZ land and it fails to address concerns in relation to the economic and social impact of this development.”

Moviment Graffitti stated that, “while the changes in the proposed development are positive they still fall short of constituting a real solution that avoids environmental destruction – 18,000 square meters would still be built on ODZ in Zonqor. Malta has already experienced a building spree in the past three decades and it cannot afford more construction on natural land, especially if such land is ODZ.”

“Moviment Graffitti also recognises the positive role of Front Harsien ODZ in effectively exerting pressure to safeguard our environment. The Front brought together environmentally concerned individuals and civil society and was pivotal in introducing environmental considerations in the proposed project. We hereby reiterate our support to the Front and our commitment to continue opposing construction on ODZ land.”

Moviment Graffitti went on to say that, “our disagreement with the Sadeen project has always been based on opposition to the privatisation of spaces, especially when this involves giving away public resources for private interests. But moreover, the newly unveiled plans fail to address concerns related to transparency, even because the government has desisted from publishing the agreement with Sadeen. Under what terms will this space be given to Sadeen and how much will they pay for its use? (One must keep in mind that Dock 1 is a prime site that would sell, or be rented out, for very high market prices.)”

Moviment Graffitti concluded by saying that, “while a private University might be beneficial to a few entrepreneurs, this development risks creating a space for the exclusive use of rich students and, consequently, an increased cost of living in surrounding areas. Moreover, educational development is only achieved when there is free and accessible quality education for all.”

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