‘PA Should Not Be Complicit In The Rape Of Gozo,’ Xagħra Mayor Appeals As Portelli’s ODZ Pool Approved
Xagħra Mayor Christian Zammit has appealed for the Planning Authority to not continue to be complicit in the rape of the environment and Gozo – with the PA approving the development in question straight after.
During a PA meeting held this morning discussing ODZ permits, a number of representatives appealed to the entity to reject a permit in question to develop a pool in ODZ land in Xagħra, Gozo.
“I am hoping that the PA rejects this development. I’m not going to stay getting caught up in technicalities – the PA should not be complicit in this rape,” Zammit said prior to the approval.
“You are creating a precedent to ruin this valley. If you approve this permit you are contributing to this precedent. You cannot continue to ruin the town of Xagħra – you ruined the streetscape, you ruined our valleys,” he said.
“I appeal for the PA to not be complicit in the rape of Gozo and the environment,” he said.
The PA then decided to overturn the case officer’s recommendation for refusal, approving the development on the basis of overturning the recommendation due to amendments in swimming pool size.
During the meeting, representations were also given by Moviment Graffitti representative Rachel Baldacchino, as well as Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar Astrid Vella, who strongly appealed against the approval of the permit.
“We need you to protect the policies and the democracy and to protect the little environment we have left, for people’s mental health, and for our generations to come,” Baldacchino appealed.
“Make the good decision, and set a good example to this country,” she said.
Astrid Vella then reminded the PA of their mission statement, pleading for them to question whether such a development is going to bring any good to the country.
“I plead with you that this time you remember about your remit – to leave a better Malta and Gozo for generations to come,” she said.
Photographer Daniel Cilia also gave his objections to the development, highlighting that it will set a precedent for others to be able to do the same thing.
What do you make of this approval?
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