Written by Miguel Azzopardi and Krizia Testa
Major concerns have been brought up regarding the roadworks currently occurring on ODZ land in Dingli. The roadworks exceed the area specified in the 2006 Local Plan, going beyond the ODZ line. Therefore, according to the Planning Authority, the works require a permit. However, this has not been hung up on-site and has not been provided by Infrastructure Malta when repeatedly requested by activists and Dingli residents. In fact, over 200 residents signed a petition objecting to the works, which not only endanger several 300-year-old carob trees but also threaten a medieval church from the 1400s.
The Salesians of Don Bosco, who own part of the ODZ land being lost to the roadworks, have publicly stated that they were left uninformed of the works on their land, right up until the diggers appeared on site. Their property is still in the process of being expropriated and the compensation due has never been discussed and not yet received. Other landowners have also shared similar experiences during the latest press release.
The local council’s approval of the project has also been dogged by conflicts of interest. Three Dingli councillors backed the ODZ road works, including Dingli’s deputy mayor. Given that the deputy mayor and one of the councillors work with the Infrastructure Ministry, and another councillor heads an Infrastructure Malta unit, we feel that the councillors in question should have recused themselves from the vote, considering the potential bias and conflict of interest. Several residents have also voiced their concerns that this road project may be a prelude for further development on ODZ land – their concerns being supported by the fact that the road leads to nowhere. This follows a well-worn pattern of infrastructural projects designed to accommodate the interests of developers and the construction industry, such as the recent roundabout in Burmarrad, as well as the roadworks in Fomm ir-Riħ, leading to the Malta Developers’ Association head Sandro Chetchuti’s property.
All government projects should thoroughly consider the needs of local communities and the environment, as well as proceed according to standard procedures and regulations. No credible reason for building the road has been provided and regular procedures have not been adhered to, raising concerns of abuse of power. We, therefore, stand strongly in objection to these roadworks in Dingli and support Moviment Graffiti’s actions in objection to it. The major concerns surrounding the project have not been adequately addressed by Infrastructure Malta and we feel that a proper dialogue should be established between the interested parties: residents, activists and Infrastructure Malta. Dialogue and transparency are a fundamental part of the democratic process and the authorities are duty-bound to uphold this commitment.
Check out XR’s previous article here!
