‘More land grabbing by speculators’

Published on the Malta Independent. After yesterday’s rowdy consultation meeting on the EIA, it is clear that the Hondoq ir-Rummien proposed development is still based on the taking over by land speculators of land currently used for leisure activities of common folk and as a result restricting the public right of access to the beach for both local and foreign tourists, Carmel Cacopardo, Alternattiva Demokratika spokesperson for sustainable development, said. AD’s regional committee for Gozo wondered whether this was yet again part of the current elected politicians’ ‘Vision’ for eco-Gozo – to further destroy the natural assets of the island through such building projects. Chairperson Michael Briguglio said: “The current administration was very well able to copy AD’s manifesto for Gozo with regards to turning Gozo into an ecological island but there is a big difference between copying something and actually acting upon it in a sustainable and sensible way in order to create new and modern jobs for the islanders”. AD’s spokesperson for Gozo, Victor Galea said that at the last general election Alternattiva Demokratika was putting forward concrete proposals for the generation of employment for the locals. But today in the hospitality industry in Gozo an increasing number of foreigners are being employed at low wages, squeezing out Gozitan workers.