Watch: New Planning Minister Will Focus On Aesthetics And Streetscaping, Robert Abela Pledges
Prime Minister Robert Abela has pledged that new Clint Camilleri will focus on aesthetics and streetscaping in his new role as Planning Minister.
Camilleri, an architect and the Minister for Gozo, was given the crucial planning portfolio as part of last weekend’s Cabinet reshuffle, over and above is Gozo portfolio.
Responding to questions from the press, Abela dismissed suggestions that Camilleri was given the planning role to appease the Gozitan mega-devleoper Joseph Portelli.
“With all due respect, but I think that people who are making these comments have no idea what they’re talking about,” Abela said.
“Clint Camilleri is not only a very competent minister but he is also a competent architect.”
Abela said he informed Camilleri that he wants him to focus on “intelligent planning” and spearhead a policy reform that focuses on building aesthetics and proper streetscaping
“We want intelligent development that keeps into consideration the importance of development as part of a diversified economy, while at the same time not permitting uncontrolled development,” Abela said.
“Uncontrolled development bothers me and I won’t accept it. It must be intelligent development that prioritises aesthetics and environmental issues. I explained thees priorities to Clint Camilleri when I assigned him that portfolio and he understood it very well.”
What do you make of Abela’s comments?
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