Front Harsien ODZ has called for transparency over the site identification process for the new university being planned by Sadeen Construction.

In a press conference before the Saturday morning protest on the building of the university at Zonqor, the Front insisted that the heads of agreement signed between the government and the investor should be published.

It noted that Mepa CEO Johann Buttigieg when speaking at a meeting of the House Environment Committee on Monday had confirmed that the agreement was discussed in meetings between his office and the Office of the Prime Minister.

Michael Briguglio, who leads the  group, said, showed that the planning process was being influenced by this agreement, and it therefore should be published immediately. 

He said it was concerned that Mepa's own Environment Protection Directorate was excluded from the first site selection exercise.

Just as shocking was the fact that those involved in writing the report had not been identified.

"It is very questionable for a Chief Executive of a public authority to receive instructions from the Office of the Prime Minister to keep the planning process confidential."

Mr Briguglio said it agreed with comments by Labour MP Marlene Farrugia that the CEO, paid by taxpayers, had his first duty to the Maltese public.

He insisted that the new site selection process should be restricted to areas within development zones with priority being given to existing buildings.

He said Saturday's protest, at 10am, was a non-partisan event and would be attended by people from all parties.