Residenti taż-Żurrieq, together with Il-Kolletiv, have issued a public statement challenging the Ministry for Lands’ recent comments regarding the proposed development of agricultural land in Tal-Bebbux.

The group has accused the Ministry of presenting a misleading version of events and failing to address growing community concerns.

The dispute centres around government plans to convert a portion of ODZ land in Tal-Bebbux, Żurrieq, for what is being described as “community use.”

In their statement, residents stress that they never claimed the project had been officially withdrawn. However, they note that Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi had made a public declaration in June 2024 that gave the impression the land would no longer be used for development, only for “community purposes.”

Residents argue that while the wording has changed, the impact has not. Farmers will still lose their fields, and ODZ land will still be developed — to the benefit of private interests, they say.

They also note that although the Ministry said it consulted the Local Council, the council remains a registered objector to the proposal, and no consultation took place with either residents or farmers.

The residents expressed further concern over the term “community purpose,” pointing out that planning laws allow various forms of construction on ODZ land under this label — including retirement homes, schools, and sports complexes.

These developments often lead to roads, parking, and utility infrastructure, which can change the zoning status and open the door to more development in future.

They also questioned why no specific details about the proposed community use have been provided and why productive agricultural land must be sacrificed for such projects. The group claims that the Ministry even attempted to discredit farmers by taking aerial photos of the site to suggest it is not suitable for agriculture.

However, residents say the images were taken outside of harvest season and do not reflect the real state of the land.

Another point raised is the inconsistent use of the 2006 Local Plans. While the government has amended these plans in other localities to permit more development, it has made no effort to revise plans in Żurrieq that continue to threaten ODZ land with unnecessary construction.

Residents also highlighted ongoing development pressures near Tal-Bebbux, such as a proposed ODZ supermarket on the Żurrieq–Mqabba border, which they say contributes to the gradual erosion of town boundaries and agricultural zones.

They concluded by inviting Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi to visit the Tal-Bebbux site in person, meet with farmers and residents, and explain the rationale behind the project. 

They also want clarity on why government land is included in a private application, despite assurances that it will not be sold.

Residenti taż-Żurrieq maintain that their opposition is not personal, but part of a long-standing commitment to protecting local land, supporting farmers, and pushing for transparent and sustainable planning decisions.

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