Environment Minister Jose’ Herrera will be presenting plans outlining ideal sites in Malta for land reclamation to cabinet in the coming weeks.

Speaking to Malta Today, Herrera also revealed that the Environment and Resources Authority would give him the final presentation later this week.

“It is no longer the elephant in the room; it has to be addressed, if not today, tomorrow,” he said.

Herrera insisted that the project was not intended to allow the development of “cheap real estate or towers”, adding that this was why the environment ministry was heading the project.

“The environmental aspect will be prioritised, but it will also have an economic and commercial dimension,” Herrera later said.

Reports have previously identified areas by Portomaso, Xgħajra, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, and the Freeport for land reclamation.

Land reclamation remains controversial in Malta. People within the industry have long advocated for the initiative in a small country like Malta.

However, there are serious concerns over the potential negative impact, especially given the current environmental and construction issues in the country.

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