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Joseph Muscat Goes All The Way Back To Roman History To Justify His Land Reclamation Plans

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Cover photo of the Salina salt pans (BirdLife Malta)

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat went back a few thousands of years, all the way back to Roman history, in an attempt to justify his plans for land reclamation in Malta.

During a cabinet meeting at the Salina Nature Reserve this morning, Muscat quipped that the Salina salt pans and specifically the building that housed the meeting, used by a port during Roman times, were the result of land reclamation.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Jose Herrera confirmed that the Environment Resources Authority (ERA) is carrying out ‘extensive studies’ on the possibility on land reclamation.

The exercise, which is part of ERA’s contribution to the policy on land reclamation, is intended to be concluded early next year and will be presented to the relevant stakeholders.

The government has previously said that various sites are being considered across the coasts of Malta and Gozo, however, it is still unclear which sites have been selected for further analysis.

Xgajra

The coast of Xgħajra (Photo: Wikipedia)

Last December, sources told The Times of Malta that Xgħajra has been earmarked as the only viable location for a major land reclamation project.

Muscat has also suggested that construction waste generated in the proposed tunnel-link between Malta and Gozo will be used in the project.

Land reclamation continues to divide opinion. While certainly costly, such projects could benefit small island nations and facilitate further development, as seen in Singapore.

However, people still remain concerned over the potential negative impact the initiative can have, especially given the country’s current environmental and construction issues.

READ NEXT: 8 Things Malta Can Actually Use Reclaimed Land For

Julian is the former editor of Lovin Malta and has a particular interest in politics, the environment, social issues, and human interest stories.

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