Maltese University Graduate Urges Rector To Put Words Into Action And Develop A Greener Campus
Rector Alfred Vella tours the KSU Freshers’ Week with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. (Photo: Albert Camilleri)
A recent University of Malta graduate has urged Rector Alfred Vella to take the initiative to develop a greener campus and hence transform into action his recent criticism of the country’s environmental performance.
In yesterday’s opening address at the start of the academic year, Vella warned Malta is falling short on environmental sustainability, noting it is the most built-up country in the EU and that it has the worst records out of all EU member states when it comes to waste recycling and renewable electricity generation.
Recent university graduate and environmental activist Steve Zammit Lupi has now emailed Vella, urging him to be the change he wants to see in the country.
“I have just read your speech given at the opening of the upcoming academic year addressing University of Malta students yesterday,” Zammit Lupi wrote. “Inspiring and commendable words to raise awareness about the national environmental mess we find ourselves in. Much needed, and thanks for highlighting.”
“However may I remind you that you are still the Rector of the University of Malta, which in the year 2018 does not have a basic recycling system anywhere on Campus, nor a waste management plan. A Campus with a ring road where you fear your life to walk around, a University that can be easily mistaken for one giant car park, a University where pavements do not exist and wheelchair users do not have up to standard accessibility, a University that still glorifies the use of the car and practically trashes every other mode of alternative transport.”
He recounted his own frustrations in the University Students’ Council (KSU) as he tried to convince the University administration to introduce green measures.
“During my two terms in KSU I worked with the limited resources available to attempt to leave a greener University than the one I found,” he said. “The highest hurdles faced would come when trying to convince the administration. You almost give up chasing paid people out of your voluntary time, and feel helpless lost in the endless red tape and narrow walls to get the smallest of things done.”
“For example I had once requested a no objection to create a large bicycle bay right outside Quadrangle near Sir Temi Hall but the idea got shot down by high administration staff whom wanted to occupy a public space with reserved parking for their private cars closest to their offices, over people that walk or cycle. You see, sustainability and all that, this is why it is so difficult to change things.”
“You occupy the most important role of the highest educational institution in this country, with the power to drive change. Words and speeches must turn into immediate action. University of Malta must be the place where national challenges are addressed by leading through example, and not where problems become normalised.”
What do you make of this graduate’s open letter?
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