The parliamentary sitting which approved the granting of land on Zonqor for the 'American University of Malta' was surreal and raised even more doubts about the development, which is characterised by terrible governance, Front harsien ODZ said today. 

"The Government did its utmost to have a rushed process. It has put the cart before the horse by selling land to (investors) Sadeen before his project has been approved both in terms of planning and in terms of educational accreditation. To make matters worse, it now transpired that Sadeen has not even applied for University status and that his development will also include seaview guestrooms, entertainment facilities, clinic, restaurants, project-related outlets and berthing rights," the Front said.

"Government has ignored the environment parliamentary committee, which was discussing alternatives to Zonqor as proposed by MEPA. Government ignored its own SPED policy which refers to ODZ as last resort. Government has ignored civil society through its bulldozing style," the Front added.

It said it cannot consider the 33 MPs who voted for this shameful approval as credible in terms of environmental protection.