Momentum slams PN, PL for greenlighting Pembroke land for Valletta FC
'Decision betrays Pembroke residents and those who expect transparency and genuine consultation'
Updated 5.37pm with Valletta FC statement
Momentum on Friday condemned PN and PL for greenlighting the transfer of public land in Pembroke for the Valletta FC football campus.
Momentum said MPs acted against the wishes of the residents after weeks of claiming they were listening to the people.
"This decision is a betrayal of Pembroke residents and of all those who expected transparency and genuine consultation."
This was exactly why Momentum existed, it added.
The party said it stood with citizens who felt ignored and sidelined in a system where the lines between PN and PL have all but disappeared.
“We strongly support sports and investment in community facilities. But it is deeply disappointing that the only solution put forward was to take up new and unbuilt land," Arnold Cassola said.
"Viable alternatives were clearly available. The original Ħal Farrug site could have been rehabilitated and made safe. The disused Marsa power station area, which is part of the Valletta regeneration vision and measures around 26,000 square metres, could be transformed into a modern sports hub, close to Valletta and well connected to major infrastructure.”
Instead, a decision has been taken that will increase pressure and congestion in Pembroke, while ignoring smarter, more sustainable options. Malta deserves better planning, better vision, and leadership that puts people and the environment first, he said.
In a statement on Friday afternoon, Valletta FC slammed Momentum for "reducing" the football campus to "tribal political rhetoric and rampant prejudice against our community".
The football club insisted the project is about "restoring fairness, parity and dignity, not about political colours".
"Valletta FC will continue to move forward with responsibility, inclusivity and respect towards all stakeholders — not least the families of Pembroke, whose children stand to benefit from a football campus where they can grow and fulfil their sporting aspirations."