Investors seek to assuage shooting range fears

The Russian investors behind the proposed shooting range in Busbesija, Mosta insist that they had nothing to do with the threats received by the Jesuit Order who are opposing the project. 

The project on the derelict military installation is being proposed by a Russian owned company named U-Group, and includes a 300m range adjacent to the barracks, a 25m range, a 50m range, an indoor range, a dynamic range, trap and skeet ranges, a museum, an artillery battery and a paintball park. 

Executive Director of U-Group, Anastasia Budykho

In a meeting hastily organised by the company in their lush offices at Portomaso in St Julian’s, the Executive Director of U-Group, Anastasia Budykho and her aides described the bullet and letter sent to the Jesuits by post as “ridiculous, horrible and nasty” and vowed “we have nothing to do with that issue.”

Stephen Petroni, president of one of the three associations representing shooters and collectors – also convened at the meeting – argued it was not in their interest to issue such threats.

Nicholas Schembri, who leads another association of shooters and collectors, added “if we learn who is behind it we’ll immediately file a police report.”

However, the meeting’s primary objective was to reassure the Jesuits and other detractors that the noise will not be an issue.

Budykho – who also serves as representative for the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIR) in Malta – insisted “new technologies exist and special sound reduction walls exist. Different systems are used and can reduce noise up to 95% of the sound generated in shooting ranges.”

Acknowledging the highly technical nature of the project, Budykho explained that a number of foreign consultants have been engaged by the company to ensure that the sound pollution is not an issue.  

She is optimistic that the sound levels will be below the limits stipulated by law and reassured “we will act in accordance with the law”.

Dispelling other potential problems, such as safety and traffic issues, she said that the company is ready to address these concerns by carrying out all the necessary studies.  

“We understand this is big project, a very technical one which can generate a lot of questions and we have plans to hold a press conference together with advisers to answer all questions and concerns,” Budykho said. 

Asked why the company has come up with the novel idea of opening a shooting range, Budykho and an advisor said the company has always been sports orientated and socially conscious.

Moreover, “this project will attract tourism and international level sport events.” They also noted that Malta has been successful in shooting competitions abroad and the facility will offer the 7,000 registered sport-shooters a range of international standard.

Budykho’s advisor would not reveal the total cost of the project but admitted that the cost “runs in the millions.”

She added that the project, which will cover 140 tumoli of land, is of a commercial nature but is aimed at giving a social and economic contribution.

“We will ensure that it will be as accessible as possible and will not cost more than similar facilities abroad.”

Budykho also urged the Jesuits and residents who oppose or have doubts about the project to get in touch, insisting that she would be more than willing to provide them with all the information and studies which address their concerns. 

The project, which is still at a consultancy stage, envisages that the range is managed by a foreign firm, with the Russian investors currently in talks with British and American companies.