The Nationalist Party is happy to let civil society take the lead on objections to construction on ODZ land, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said yesterday.

Speaking during a meeting with Front Ħarsien ODZ, Dr Busuttil said he was not speaking out about the issue to gain political mileage.

“To us it doesn’t matter if we get exposure on this. What matters is that this kind of development is stopped and the land is protected,” he said.

In a question session with the media after the meeting, ODZ pressure group spokesman James Debono told Times of Malta civil society would judge the PN on how it learnt from past shortcomings, but that it should be given the benefit of the doubt.

“We appreciate that the PN has taken a stand in favour of the environment on this latest ODZ issue and hope this is reflected in the future in the policies and decisions it makes when in government,” Mr Debono said.

Representatives of the newly established group met Dr Busuttil in Parliament, ahead of the June 20 protest in Valletta against ODZ development.

It doesn’t matter if we get exposure on this. What matters is that this kind of development is stopped

Dr Busuttil said his intention was to ensure the environment was protected from unnecessary development, adding that he would be attending the protest.

Mr Debono, meanwhile, said he hoped the government would heed their calls and that proposals to build on ODZ land would be shot down.

“Ultimately, the issue of outside development zones should be a social pact between parties and civil society,” he said.

The issue of ODZ development was catapulted onto the national agenda last month after the government unveiled plans to build a private university on a stretch of land outside the development zone in Żonqor Point, Marsascala.

The front last week sent questions to all MPs asking them about their personal position on the ODZ development controversy.

Dr Busuttil said the Opposition had replied collectively to the questions with a statement endorsed by all members of its parliamentary group. Front spokesman Michael Briguglio said the replies received would be published in the coming days, as would a list of those who had not replied.

Asked what action the pressure group would take if the government did not heed its calls to stop the proposed construction, Dr Briguglio said he hoped the government would stay true to its electoral mandate of “Malta for all” and listen to the public’s opinion. However, if not it would continue piling on the pressure.

Dr Briguglio asked that the government publish all documented agreements with the developer of the private university, as a transparent debate could not be held until this was done.

ivan.martin@timesofmalta.com