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Burmarrad Farmer Confronts Architect Over Looming Threat To His Work But To No Avail

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A Burmarrad farmer has confronted the architect behind the proposed roundabout that threatens his livelihood, warning they wouldn’t divulge the true reasons behind the project.

“I met the architect today who was studying the area for the roundabout – they wouldn’t even give me the real reasons behind the project nor all the details of the architectural plans,” Cane Vella told Lovin Malta.

The young farmer confronted the architect overseeing the proposed roundabout in a now-deleted video to no avail. The development would take 22 tumoli of arable land and will threaten a 500-year-old hand-dug water reservoir used by three farming families to grow food.

Infrastructure Malta has officially unveiled plans to construct a roundabout adjacent to a proposed two-storey supermarket and underground car park, both outside development zones in Burmarrad. The supermarket is being proposed by Bonnici Brothers Ltd between Triq is-Sardin and Triq Burmarrad.

Without the reservoir, Vella and two other farming families will effectively lose a crucial water supply, which they need to sow crops for harvest in the wintertime.

When the farmer confronted the architect to ask the reason behind the roundabout, the architect said it was for speed mitigation measures for cars. Vella said other less invasive incentives like speed cameras could fix the issue and preserve their livelihood.

“Speed mitigation isn’t the real reason for this roundabout. They need it for their plans to dig an underground car park and supermarket – projects that were previously declined but will push forward,” he warned.

A petition against the plans, launched by Moviment Graffitti has gained around 5,000 signatures. Activists like Cami Appelgren have also spoken out about the issue.

“I have no personal vendetta against anyone here. We’re fighting for our community and their right to locally grown food. There are less than 500 young farmers in Malta, and at this rate, the vocation will die out faster than previously thought,” Vella finished. 

What do you think about the project?

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Sam is a journalist, artist and writer based in Malta. Send her pictures of hands or need-to-know stories on politics or art on [email protected].

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