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(Photo; FAA)
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) said it is extremely concerned by Planning Authority Chairman Martin Saliba who recently claimed that “development is determined by the market.”
Slamming him as outdated and misguided, FAA said Saliba’s “outrageous” observation tops a list of other troubling statements which will have a broad impact on public perception and developers’ attitudes towards planning matters.
“Martin Saliba is in a position of power and a close advisor to Minister for the Environment Aaron Farrugia. It is extremely worrying that the future of Malta’s environment, heritage and quality of life is being steered by a person with such a misguided, outmoded, and damaging mindset. A mindset intent on promoting uncontrolled development to enrich cronies, at the cost of the well-being of our islands’ residents and long-term economy.”
To Portelli, devouring more of the Maltese and Gozitan footprint is an obsession driven by his morbid fascination to make more and more millions. Some might call it simply greed
Destiny Chuckunyere and her Eurovision Song Contest performance take centre stage on this Sunday’s newspapers, with a photo of the Maltese singer featuring on all front pages.
The Sunday Times of Malta reports that Malta lost an area the size of 250 football pitches to development over the past three years. The calculation was made by researchers using satellite imagery.
The newspaper also reports that former Progress Press managing director Adrian Hillman was arrested by police in the UK this week, ahead of his extradition. His lawyer says Hillman will not fight extradition and will be returning to Malta.
Malta Today reports that a pardon given to Daphne Caruana Galizia murder middleman Melvin Theuma also relates to his role in an attempted hold-up of HSBC bank in 2010.
Chair of new construction industry regulator is one of Joseph Portelli’s architects
5 hours ago
The Chair of the newly-established Building and Construction Agency (BCA) appointed by Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia is an architect for developer Joseph Portelli, casting doubt on the seriousness of the government’s intentions to address irregularities in the sector.
Touted as the government’s bold initiative to introduce reforms, particularly following the tragedy of Miriam Pace who lost her life due to construction work adjacent to her home, the BCA is meant to ensure the industry falls in line.
On paper, the legislation introducing this agency empowers it to intervene whenever any building illegalities are reported, to make regular inspections and impose hefty fines where necessary.