12th December 2015 – Press Release

Environmental NGO Din l-Art Helwa said that the transfer of ODZ land at Zonqor Point in favour of Sadeen Group, for the purpose of building the American University of Malta appears to be forging ahead, without due consideration being given to the alternative sites proposed.

On 2 November, a meeting of the Permanent Committee for Environment and  Development Planning was convened to discuss the MEPA Preliminary Alternative Sites Evaluation Report on the numerous alternative sites proposed by the Maltese public. At this meeting, alternatives were put forward by those present, including Din l-Art Helwa, as well as proposals which had not been seriously considered in the unscientific, and sometimes misrepresented results.

The public deserves to be taken seriously, at least by the publication of a follow-up on this Preliminary Alternative Sites Evaluation Report, before the transfer of land is a fait accompli. If not, then the online site-selection public consultation, the parliamentary committee meeting, as well as the August Mepa report may be considered a sham.