Birkirkara Vote: ‘Vote Owen, Get George’ – NGO Questions Nigret Mega Development

Imagine this: You cast your vote for Owen Bonnici in the upcoming local council elections, expecting him to represent you as the mayor of Birkirkara. But what if, by doing so, you’re also voting for George Vella, the Prime Minister, to have a say in your locality’s future? This is the intriguing scenario that an NGO is presenting, as it questions the Nigret mega development project, which could see Birkirkara’s skyline transformed.

The Nigret project, proposed by the Planning Authority, envisions a 20-storey tower and a 12-storey building in the heart of Birkirkara, just off the bustling Triq San Pawl. The development, a joint venture between the government and private investors, promises to regenerate the area and create jobs. But not everyone is convinced, and the NGO Flimkien Għal-Pajjiż (Friends of the Earth) Malta is leading the charge against it.

“This project is not about regeneration,” argues Alex Ribot, a spokesperson for Flimkien Għal-Pajjiż. “It’s about gentrification. It will price out local residents and small businesses, changing the very character of Birkirkara.”

Here’s where the ‘Vote Owen, get George’ twist comes in. Owen Bonnici, the Labour Party candidate for Birkirkara mayor, is also the Minister for National Heritage, the Environment, and Culture. This means that, if elected, he would have a say in planning decisions, including the Nigret project. The NGO argues that this creates a conflict of interest, with Bonnici potentially influencing the very project that could shape his locality.

“It’s like voting for a local representative and, by extension, getting a national one too,” says Ribot. “We’re not saying Bonnici would definitely push for the project, but the potential is there, and that’s what we’re concerned about.”

Bonnici, for his part, maintains that he will act in the best interests of Birkirkara residents. “I understand the concerns, but we need to look at development holistically,” he says. “This project could bring significant benefits to Birkirkara.”

The Nigret project is currently with the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), which is expected to make a decision soon. Meanwhile, the local council elections are fast approaching, with Birkirkara residents set to cast their votes on May 23. The ‘Vote Owen, get George’ debate is sure to be a talking point on the campaign trail.

As for Flimkien Għal-Pajjiż, they’re not backing down. “We’re not against development,” insists Ribot. “We’re against development that doesn’t respect the local community and its needs.”

So, Birkirkara, when you step into that voting booth, remember: you might just be voting for more than you think.