A controversial proposal to build three hotels along the pristine Xgħajra to Marsascala coastline has not been endorsed by the government, according to the Tourism Minister.
Edward Zammit Lewis said the plans contained in a briefing paper presented to the Consultative Council for the South were the “analysis” of the privatisation unit, a government entity.
He distanced the government from the unit’s plans when asked whether the Tourism Ministry agreed with the proposal.
“This has not been discussed by the Tourism Ministry and at government level, let alone decided upon,” Dr Zammit Lewis said.
The briefing paper, meant to put forward proposals to regenerate the south, was revealed by The Sunday Times of Malta last month.
But the only proposal it contained was the construction of three hotels on public land in an outside development zone.
The briefing paper ignored the fact that Smart City, situated along the same coastline, already had permission to build at least two hotels.
Environmentalists and residents have criticised the plans, insisting they were an excuse for future rampant development along a stretch of pristine coastline.
They fear the hotels will eventually lead to the transformation of the area into a “Buġibba of the south”.
Dr Zammit Lewis said the government had “a positive” vision for the south as a tourism destination.
This has not been discussed by the Tourism Ministry and at government level, let alone decided upon- Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis
He blamed the previous administration for “years of neglect” in the south, insisting the Budget had a special focus for the region that has been a magnet for industrial development.
He said the Budget included “innovative partnerships with the private sector” targeted to regenerate the south.
The Budget included plans to upgrade Villa Bighi, in Kalkara, into a tourism zone as part of the science centre development that will cost €26 million.
The Cospicua health centre is also expected to benefit from a makeover and be run in partnership with the private sector, while the government plans to transform the Pace Grasso football ground in Paola into a recreational open area and a mixed-use complex.
Environment Minister Leo Brincat told this newspaper the south should have tourism infrastructure as long as things were done in a sustainable manner.
“I feel it is shameful that nobody in the past voiced his concern over neglect in the south and the lack of tourist infrastructure. The region has tourism potential that can be developed,” Mr Brincat said, without committing himself to the three hotels proposal.
kurt.sansone@timesofmalta.com