Marsascala promenade works raise concern

Updated 4.30pm with eNGOs' statement

Momentum, Marsascala residents and several eNGOs have condemned the start of significant works along the Marsascala coastline, which appear to be part of a larger project to develop a new ferry terminal.

The political party said that while several different permits exist for what are officially labelled as "road works," the more extensive and impactful works directly affecting the promenade, the underlying shore, and the piers have no permits attached to the site.

"This appears to be a deliberate 'salami-slicing' tactic, splitting one major project into multiple smaller applications to avoid the full public scrutiny required for a development of this magnitude, Momentum said.

Furthermore, no comprehensive plans for the entire project have been presented to the Planning Authority for public viewing.

"The excuse that these are merely separate "road works" is being used to shield the full, transformative scope of the development from the public," it said. 

"The reality on the ground appears to be that Infrastructure Malta is conducting works that far exceed simple road maintenance. This project risks turning a beloved, traditional swimming and fishing area into a veritable port for sea ferries and other seacraft, irrevocably changing the nature of the bay."

To be clear, this is not about being for or against a ferry service," Momentum’s Mark Camilleri Gambin said. "This is about opposing secrecy. No project, regardless of its supposed benefits, should be steamrolled through without full transparency and clarity. Residents deserve to know exactly what is happening to their home, and they deserve to have their voices heard before their locality is irrevocably changed."

Momentum called for an immediate halt to all coastal works until the full, un-redacted plans for the entire consolidated project are made public and subjected to a proper and transparent planning and consultation process.

eNGOs: This is arrogance and abuse of power

In a joint statement on Wednesday afternoon, Din l-Art Helwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Birdlife Malta, Moviment Graffitti, NatureTrust, Ramblers Association Malta and the Marsaskala Residents’ Network all condemned the works. 

Two separate applications related to the ferry project are still being processed by the PA, they noted, "yet it would seem that Infrastructure Malta has begun works without any permits in hand." 

Furthermore, works had started without an Environmental Impact Assessment, or any form of archaeological or marine survey and residents were being kept in the dark. 

"Far from being a ‘Gvern li jisma’ (Government that listens to the people), IM is brushing aside the needs of residents through its lack of Social and Traffic Assessments, and greatly undermining their quality of life through the increased traffic, increased air and sea pollution, disruption to bathers, fishermen, and walkers in a much-needed recreational area in a densely-built-up area," they said. 

The eNGOs urged people to attend a national protest against planning reform plans, scheduled to take place on Monday October 27 in Valletta. 

"This is the arrogance and abuse of power that we are witnessing even before the passing of Bills 143 and 144, let alone what we will see once the bills dismantle planning regulations and the public’s right to participate in the planning process," they said.