Updated with mayor's reaction -

Fortina Investments on Sunday said it strongly condemns "the misinformation and smear campaign" being conducted by the St Julian’s Council mayor over its application for a temporary pontoon in Balluta Bay.

The company was referring to comments made by Albert Buttigieg at a press conference on Saturday. He claimed that the delayed Planning Authority decision on the application for a ferry jetty had raised suspicion of shady dealings.

“It is completely unacceptable that the mayor is basically accusing us of corrupt practice and that others are spreading untruths through the media and social media. No business should be subjected to such a baseless and malicious campaign when it has done everything by the book," the company said in a statement.

“It is being alleged that the pontoon will be used exclusively by Captain Morgan. This is a lie. It is being alleged that it will be located in an area used by bathers. This is a lie. It is being alleged that our vessels will dump effluent into the area. This is a lie. It is being alleged that our company will litter the St Julian’s Bay promenade with booths as has happened on the Sliema promenade. This is a lie – there are many other operators on the Sliema promenade selling trips. It is being alleged that Captain Morgan has made an application for a booth in St Julian’s. This is a lie. It is being alleged that we are negotiating an underhand deal behind people’s backs. This is the worst lie of all," it added.

“Fortina has applied for a temporary landing pontoon attached to San Gilian ASC waterpolo complex. This will not be exclusively for our use and bears no resemblance whatsoever to the permanent berths on the Sliema/Gzira strand.

“This temporary landing pontoon is not located in the vicinity of the Balluta sandy beach and will have absolutely no impact on bathers – unlike numerous pleasure craft that already anchor in the area – while the vessels utilised by Fortina Investments will be brand new eco-friendly boats compliant with the highest emission and environmental standards. It is baffling that NGOs should be against environmentally-friendly boats.

The company insisted that the jetty is a temporary solution which will be in place only for the duration of the redevelopment of the waterpolo club's pool and deck area. It will then be removed since the club will then be able to operate such activities from the club itself.

Fortina said its proposal forms part of an investment to offer innovative and alternative means of transport for tourists and locals alike by making use of the seaways.

"Rather than increase congestion in the area, as has also been alleged as part of the smear campaign, our services will actually take away traffic from local roads," it said.

It added that it would welcome comments and feedback but not lies and it reserved its rights to take action in relation to the defamatory comments made to the press.  

Mayor: local plans prohibit proposed development

In a reaction, Mr Buttigieg said he was glad to read the Fortina's comment that 'Everything was done by the book'.

"It is pertinent to note that the Local Plan Policy regarding NHRL04, Yachting and Berthing Facilities, identifies only two potential sites for new yacht marinas: Pietà Creek and Sliema Creek. Balluta Bay is not included," he said.

"Moreover, the policy goes on to state that: “Proposals for development permits to construct jetties, pontoons or slipways will only be permitted subject to all the following criteria being met:

"a. Prior approval is obtained from the Malta Maritime Authority;

"b. The site location is compatible with other adjacent land and water users;

"c. There is no adverse impact on the ecological, scientific and archaeological value of the site;

"d. They do not adversely affect any element or setting of their context;

"e. Adequate off-road access is provided for the launching of boats together with a parking area for cars and trailers; and

"f. The location is not within a designated swimming area."

The current proposal breaches every one of these criteria, he said. 

In view of the above, the PA during the last sitting held recommended the application for refusal.

"During my speech I spoke that the delayed of the Planning Authority to take a decision on the application has raised suspicion of shady dealings. - can't we now not even able to question why a decision was postponed by a month?" Mr Buttigieg asked.

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