ADPD-The Green Party says ERA is avoiding its responsibilities

The decision to waive an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the area earmarked for the Marsaskala Bay ferry makes it evident that the Environment and  Resources Authority (ERA) is abdicating all responsibility to protect the bay from development that may be detrimental to this protected habitat, said Brian Decelis, ADPD-The Green Party official and electoral candidate on the Third District, which also includes Marsaskala. 

The report issued by ERA is quite limited vis-à-vis the bay, as it does not take into consideration the impact that this project will have on the surrounding residential zone.  This does not take into consideration estimated passenger numbers and the traffic increase that this zone will inevitably face, which will surely be problematic.  The lack of an EIA means that there will be little opportunity for the public to be consulted after a detailed technical analysis, including alternative proposals as well as the cumulative effects on the area.

Ever since this project was first announced, ADPD-The Green Party  has made it clear that whilst sea transport should be considered as an alternative to land transport, this must take into consideration the interest of the residents’ well-being as well.  In fact, it is noted that ERA has ignored the fact that the proposed zone for development is also used by swimmers; if this project is given the green light, swimming in the area will no longer be possible or, at most, severely restricted.   

One also fails to understand how this zone is still being referred to as one earmarked for a yacht marina after it was shelved following the residents’ campaign against this decision and any changes to the local plan, the party said.

As in the case of all ongoing projects in Marsaskala, ADPD insists that there should always be full consultation with residents after all necessary studies have been conducted. As no studies have been carried out, there will be no consultation.

RSS Feed Source: Independent Malta ADPD-The Green Party says ERA is avoiding its responsibilities