'Vote Owen, get George' - NGO questions Nigret mega development
Five applications presented separately in attempt to bypass the conditions of rezoning permit
NGO il-Kollettiv has questioned the Lands Authority’s role in a mega development as developers seek to commit the site ahead of appeals
Developers are doing everything possible to commit agricultural land in Nigret, Żurrieq, before residents can even get to the appeal stage, said il-Kollettiv in a statement.
“Over the last six weeks, five development applications have sprouted on the site in question. One of these, signed by architect George Pullicino, seeks a ‘summary procedure’ which foregoes the need for archaeological studies. Residents have a much shorter period to object,” the group said.
These five applications have been presented separately with a clear attempt to bypass the conditions of the rezoning permit, which imposes that any development on the site be done holistically.
"Not only are they trying to fast-track the applications, but they are expecting to build even higher than what Pullicino applied for when he rezoned the whole plot.”
The group questioned whether Lands Minister Owen Bonnici ever gave his blessing for the rezoning of the massive 11,500 square metres tract of agricultural land, part of which is composed of government-owned plots.
Il-Kollettiv noted how Bonnici evaded a simple parliamentary question on the matter by saying that the information was still being collected, only for parliament to be dissolved a week later.
“We call Dr Bonnici to clarify whether he directed the Lands Authority to issue clearance for the application on public land, especially as the area in question lies in his constituency."
The NGO said so far it has become appallingly evident that the Labour government has done everything possible to ensure that a plot designated for development in 2006 by former Planning Minister George Pullicino, is developed by his own clients in 2026, "as is clear by the piecemeal and secretive procedures being adopted,” the group said.
On Sunday, Il-Kollettiv and Żurrieq residents are meeting on the site of the development for a meeting.
The press conference is endorsed by the Marsaskala Residents Network, Wirt iż-Żejtun, Għaqda Storja u Kultura Birżebbuġa, Residenti tal-Mellieħa, Residenti ta’ Ħal Safi, Residenti Beltin, Sliema Residents Association and Residenti tal-Qrendi. It will be addressed by residents of Zurrieq and other towns.