‘ODZ is ODZ’ in Gozo too, says Nationalist MP

'Come clean on Zonqor Point relocation' say Nationalist MPs

Shadow energy and environment minister Marthese Portelli has insisted that the ‘ODZ is ODZ’ maxim stands for any development in Qala, Gozo, when asked about a prospective cruise liner terminal to be constructed in a disused quarry.

The architects’ impression of the mixed-use marina, terminal and apartment project were published today by the winning designers of a competition issued by Kalamarine, the consortium that bid for the cruise liner project.

Portelli today expressed the PN’s concern over the Prime Minister’s silence on the relocation of a proposed private university across 90,000 square metres at Zonqor Point, in Marsaskala.

“The Prime Minister has so far failed to react to our challenge to drop his plans to develop Zonqor,” she said, insisting that government’s claim that it was considering alternative sites was nothing but “false promises”.

The MP insisted that the site was chosen by Muscat himself, which is why government is reluctant in retracting its decision.

She challenged Muscat to reveal the conditions it negotiated with the Jordanian developers over the lease of the land, which she pointed out is not entirely public.  

Portelli also noted the “hypocrisy” in government’s actions which had pledged to protect farmers and introduce schemes to encourage agricultural activity in its electoral programme.

Noting the growing public opposition to the project, MP Ryan Callus, said “the government’s pig headedness is leading to a loss of trust in the political class.”

Callus added that the growing opposition, which includes government whip Godfrey Farrugia and fellow backbencher Marlene Farrugia, cannot be ignored and called on the Prime Minister to “come clean” on his plans.