AD calls on government to stop Haywharf ‘monstrosity’

Alternattiva Demokratika has demanded an immediate halt to the construction of an army structure that has completely overtaken the Valletta bastions at Haywharf.

Green Party chairperson Arnold Cassola said that the authorities should halt the building and demolish the concrete that had marred the bastions of the UNESCO world heritage site.

“The Maltese government cannot continue using Maltese taxpayers’ money to destroy our common historical and architectural heritage.  The EU authorities should also investigate whether European taxpayers' money is being used to uglify Floriana and Valletta,” Cassola said.

Deputy chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said the preferential treatment the planning process grants to the Armed Forces on grounds of national security was being abused of. “The permit should be withdrawn immediately,” he said.

A MEPA spokesperson has confirmed that the Development Notification Order makes provision for development carried out by the AFM, or development related to migration matters that fall under the army’s remit.

In both instances, the notification procedure – actually submitting a formal DNO – is not required “where in the opinion of the Minister responsible for the Armed Forces or the Minister responsible for Immigration, the development is urgently required for national security reasons or for humanitarian, security or other relevant reasons, respectively.”

In both instances, MEPA is to be informed accordingly about this opinion and prior clearance is required from the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage.

MEPA also confirmed that both the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage and the Planning Directorate's Heritage Planning Unit had given their clearance to the project.

The army was exempted from seeking a full permit through amendments to the law approved last year.