NGOs request new permit for environment protest

The environment NGOs organising the protest in defence of the environment are presently in communication with the Police in order to obtain the necessary permits to hold the demonstration as planned.

The original protest planned for Saturday was postponed because of the flooded roads caused by the heavy rain.

A new date will be announced as soon as the permit is obtained, the NGOs said. They also advised supporters of the demonstration to remain alert for notification of the new protest date at the earliest possible occasion.

The NGOs noted the positive announcement by Parliamentary Secretary Micheal Farrugia that enforcement in ODZ areas will be increased. However, they highlighted the fact that what will make or break Malta's environment are the new policies which are currently under consultation.

"It might well be the case that no enforcement will have to take place because the abuses which have been committed in the past years will now be considered legal under the new planning regime. Furthermore allowing buildings to rise to 10 floors all over Malta has very serious implications for both residents and the economy," they said.

In the coming days, the environment NGOs will be issuing a manifesto for planning reform in favour of real progress, in favour of citizens, the protection of the public good and that of future generations.

A cluster of environmentalists and representatives from various NGOs, including Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth, Birdlife Malta and Moviment Graffiti were to gather in Republic Street, Valletta in a protest march for the environment.

Themed under the logo 'For our children and their children's children', the march was planned as a protest against what the environmentalists perceive as a culture of overdevelopment in Malta, with little consideration being given to the environment by the relevant authorities.

The controversial granting of a permit by MEPA for the redevelopment of a mega complex on Mistra ridge at the end of October, proved to be the catalyst for the protest.