NGOs Launch Crowdfunding To Appeal Decision Over Portelli’s Xagħra ODZ Pool
A coalition of environmental groups has launched a crowdfunding page to appeal to the Planning Authority’s latest decision to approve a swimming pool in ODZ land in Xagħra.
“Five organisations have launched a crowdfunding campaign for legal actions against the Planning Authority’s decision to approve yet another obscene Joseph Portelli development: a swimming pool in the Marsalforn valley of Gozo on ODZ land,” Moviment Graffitti wrote on social media.
Għawdix, Wirt Għawdex, Din l-Art Helwa, FAA Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar and Moviment Graffitti are planning legal actions against this dangerous decision of the Planning Authority.
The public can donate to this crowdfund and be part of the appeal by following this link, or via bank transfer to the following details:
BOV
Name: Moviment Graffitti
IBAN: MT27VALL22013000000011799516027
In recent weeks, the PA decided to approve an application for a swimming pool on ODZ land for Gozitan construction magnate Portelli.
The application approval was justified by the PA by pointing out the reduction of the scale of the pool.
Even though the pool’s size was reduced to a smaller version than the one previously applied for by Portelli, the approved design is still in fact, within the outside development zone.
The PA was heavily criticised for approving plans for the swimming pool, with many environmentalists and activists warning of the dangerous precedent such a decision sets.
Among the people criticising the authority, Chairman of Valletta Cultural Agency Jason Micallef questioned whether the PA’s board is ashamed of such a decision.
“Is this why the Planning Authority was set up? How do you not feel ashamed? Or do you just not know how to?” Micallef said, directly addressing the PA.
Newly elected PN MP and Gozo spokesperson Alex Borg also directly accused the PA of treating the Gozitan island like a dump, while also saying that it is lacking a backbone.
Share to raise awareness on the crowdfund
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