T&S Holdings is partly owned by Paul Attard of GAP Holdings, who holds the role of secretary general of the Malta Developers Association. Camilleri is also a member of the MDA’s executive board.

Former Lands Minister Silvio Schembri had admitted renting offices from both developers. He had also skirted questions about the land in Mellieħa, claiming the information about whether the Lands Authority had issued any tenders for the plot in the last 30 years had not been gathered yet.

Schembri was stripped of his Lands portfolio in a surprise reshuffle in early 2024.

The request for investigation in the two cases was presented by Il-Kollettiv Secretary Wayne Flask, academic and politician Arnold Cassola, PN MP Albert Buttigieg, Mellieħa Mayor Gabriel Micallef, Deputy Mayor Matthew Borg Cuschieri, and Mellieħa resident Olivia Gauci.

“These two deals have sold off not just public land, but also the dignity and quality of life of the residents of Mellieħa, St Julians, Pembroke and Swieqi,” said Flask.

“Last week, il-Kollettiv called for an investigation into these dealings, and we have decided collectively to act out of respect and duty towards the residents.”

“Present and future generations are being systematically deprived of their natural right to fresh air, clean seas and open spaces,” said Cassola.

“Our lives are being destroyed by induced traffic and noise pollution. The incestuous pact between politicians and business moguls must end immediately.”

PN MP Albert Buttigieg, former mayor of St Julians, criticised the “government of fat cats,” saying that, “once again, the government has decided to serve the few to the detriment of the majority. Instead of applications following the existing policies, the government is changing policies to benefit the developers,” he said in reference to Cabinet’s decision to review the Local Plans of St Julians.

Among the signatories, Mellieħa Resident Olivia Gauci said that “residents are disappointed at the sale of public land in Mellieħa to be turned onto a massive building. We would like to know how this land was transferred and who were those involved. We are asking for transparency and that everything about this deal becomes public.”

Her sentiment was echoed by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Mellieħa. “For over 30 years, all attempts to develop part of this land were rejected, yet now, not only has it been sold, but at a price that warrants much closer scrutiny.”

“We stand with the residents and urge those in power to halt this ill-conceived project. This sale, conducted in such a questionable manner, risks our quality of life and the integrity of our community. We’ll do our utmost to preserve this land for the future generations.”

“We have faith that the truth will come out in relation to these deals. Last week, Minister Schembri denied the ‘insinuations’ and said that ‘the facts are easily verifiable’. We believe the NAO is the appropriate institution to investigate these agreements,” the group concluded.

What do you make of this request?