‘The Fight Continues’: Activists, db Group React To ITS Pembroke Project Appeal Rejection
Activists hailing from Moviment Graffitti, the group that was leading the fight against the db Group Pembroke project, as well as a spokesperson for db, have reacted to the rejection of the appeal.
Earlier this morning, a court rejected the environmental NGOs’ appeal against db Group’s project in Pembroke, on the former ITS site.
Today’s decision essentially brought an eight-year-old-long battle to an end, but activists have assured that the fight will continue. Judge Mark Chetcuti rejected the appeal.
“In the protest held last Saturday, we sent a message to the developers: they may win sometimes, but we will always resist,” Moviment Graffitti said in a statement.
‘Today, we are deeply disappointed with the outcome of our appeal in court against the project proposed by the DB Group. Despite this, we still believe that the fight of thousands of residents, three Local Councils, and numerous organizations had significant value,” it said.
“The responsibility for this reckless development, which threatens the residents of Pembroke with two 17-story and 18-story towers and a 12-story hotel, falls on the government, which has given the people’s land to Silvio Debono, his authorities, and planning policies.”
“We are currently reviewing the court’s decision and considering other legal actions to halt this monstrosity. The fight continues,” they assured.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for db Group said that it welcomed today’s court verdict and that it’s looking forward to delivering this “world-class project”.
“DB Group welcomes today’s court verdict which brings an end to eight years of scrutiny by various courts, tribunals, and authorities. This has been one of the most scrutinised projects in local history, and the truth has finally prevailed. We now look forward to delivering this world-class project,” a spokesperson said.
The appeal was filed by Moviment Graffiti, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Friends of the Earth Malta, The Archeological Society Malta, Żminijietna – Voice of the Left, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, Green House Malta, Rota, Alison Pullicino, Sonia Tanti, Rita Zammit, Norman Zammit, Adrian Grima, Josef Buttigieg, Stephanie Buttigieg, and Arnold Cassola, against The Environment and Resources Authority and db San Gorg Property Limited.
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