Residents and NGOs slam €30m restaurant fund pledge
Groups say PL proposal shows priority is being given to businesses over residents’ rights and quality of life
A number of NGOs and residents have slammed the Labour Party’s pledge to allocate a €30 million fund to support restaurants and businesses, arguing it proved the government’s priority was to support businesses rather than residents’ rights.
In a statement signed by residents associations from across Malta, the groups called on both major political parties to “move beyond vague statements about quality of life and commit to immediate tangible action in favour of residents”.
“This proposal directing €30 million of residents’ hard-earned tax money towards bolstering a sector that is undermining their quality of life, is a clear statement from the party that businesses are more important than residents."
On Thursday, the Labour Party pledged to create a €30 million fund for restaurants to upgrade their products.
The residents’ associations pointed out that communities across the islands have experienced the “steady takeover” of residential neighbourhoods through the occupation of pavements and public spaces, the removal of car parking, excessive noise and light pollution, and persistent air pollution and odours generated by certain establishments.
“These impacts are seriously undermining residents’ quality of life and their right to live in a peaceful and healthy environment,” they said.
They also pointed at “weak and ineffective” enforcement, “frequently tolerated” illegalities and penalties that fail to deter abuse.
“Residents feel ignored and sidelined when raising legitimate concerns,” the NGOs and residents’ associations said.
The statement was endorsed by the following NGOs and residents’ associations:
Bizzejjed Group (which includes residents from: Attard, Balzan, Mdina, Msida Rabat, Sliema, St Paul´s Bay, Swieqi, Valletta, Zebbug)
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar
Il-Kollettiv
Marsaskala Residents´ Network
Moviment Graffitti
Pembroke Residents
Sliema Residents Association
ResidentiBeltin
Residenti tal-Mellieha
St Paul´s Bay Residents (which include residents from: Qawra, Bugibba, Burmarrad, St Paul´s Bay, Wardija, Xemxija)
Swieqi Pressure Group
Zurrieq Residents