Buskett Residents Battle to Save ‘Green Lung’ from Football Pitch
Petition Launched as Residents Battle to Save ‘Buskett’s Green Lung’
Imagine waking up every morning to the sight of lush, untouched greenery stretching out before you, the air filled with the hum of nature rather than the roar of engines. For residents of Buskett, this idyllic scene is under threat, as plans to build a football pitch on what they describe as ‘virgin land’ have sparked a petition to save their green lung.
From Orchards to Pitches: The Controversy Unfolds
Tucked away in the heart of Buskett, a stone’s throw from the picturesque Mdina, lies a parcel of land that has been farmed for generations. Once home to thriving orchards, the land is now the subject of a Planning Authority application by the Malta Football Association (MFA). The proposal? To build a state-of-the-art football pitch, complete with floodlights and spectator stands.
The MFA argues that the project will provide much-needed facilities for local teams and promote grassroots football. However, residents see it as a threat to their quality of life and the environment. “We’re not against football,” says Maria Camilleri, a Buskett resident and one of the petition’s organisers. “But this is the wrong place for it. We’re talking about a beautiful, untouched area that’s home to unique flora and fauna.”
Petition Gathers Pace, Support Flows In
Launched on Change.org, the petition has already gathered over 2,000 signatures, with support pouring in from across Malta. “We’ve had people from all walks of life signing,” says Camilleri. “From environmentalists to football fans who understand that there must be a balance.” The petition is calling on the Planning Authority to reject the MFA’s application.
Support has also come from local councillors and environmental NGOs. “Buskett is a unique area that deserves protection,” says Jason Azzopardi, Opposition MP for Mdina. “We can’t allow it to be sacrificed for a football pitch.” BirdLife Malta has also weighed in, highlighting the potential impact on local bird populations.
MFA Stands Firm, Residents Vow to Fight On
The MFA, however, remains committed to the project. “We’ve explored every other option,” says MFA President Bjorn Vassallo. “But there’s simply no other suitable land available. We need this pitch to cater to the growing demand for football facilities.”
Residents, however, are not ready to back down. “We’re not going to let this happen without a fight,” says Camilleri. “We’re already planning protests and will be making our voices heard at the Planning Authority’s public meeting on the 15th of March.”
The future of Buskett’s green lung hangs in the balance. Will the petition succeed in saving the land, or will the football pitch become a reality? . But one thing is certain – the residents of Buskett are not about to kick this issue into the long grass without a fight.
