‘Vote Owen, get George’ – NGO questions Nigret mega development

Malta’s political scene is abuzz with whispers of a potential ‘ Vote Owen, get George’ scenario, as an NGO raises concerns over the Nigret mega development project. The project, a brainchild of Planning Minister Owen Bonnici, is set to transform the quiet village of Żurrieq into a bustling hub, but not everyone is thrilled about the changes.

What’s in store for Żurrieq?

The Nigret project, a €150 million venture, promises to bring a mix of residential, commercial, and leisure facilities to Żurrieq. The plans include a five-star hotel, luxury apartments, shops, restaurants, and even a marina. But critics argue that the project is more about political gain than sustainable development.

“We’re not against development,” says Joseph Muscat, a Żurrieq resident and spokesperson for the NGO Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA). “But we want development that respects our village’s character and doesn’t turn it into a concrete jungle.”

‘Vote Owen, get George’ – The political angle

The NGO’s concerns are not just about the project’s impact on Żurrieq. They’re also about the political implications. The Nigret project is being developed by David Agius, a prominent businessman and PN candidate for the Żurrieq district. The project, critics argue, could be a way for the PN to curry favor with voters.

“It’s like they’re saying, ‘Vote Owen, get George’,” says Muscat, referring to PN leader Bernard Grech. “They’re promising big developments, but we’re not sure what Żurrieq will get in return.”

NGO’s concerns and the way forward

FAA has raised several concerns about the Nigret project. They argue that the project is too big for Żurrieq, that it will lead to increased traffic and parking problems, and that it will change the village’s rural character. They’re also worried about the environmental impact, with the project set to destroy a significant chunk of Żurrieq’s green belt.

But the project is moving forward, with Planning Authority approval already granted. FAA is now considering legal action to stop the project. “We’re not giving up without a fight,” says Muscat. “We’ll do everything we can to protect our village.”

Meanwhile, the PN and the Planning Ministry have dismissed the NGO’s concerns. Minister Bonnici has described the project as a “win-win” for Żurrieq and Malta. But with the general election just around the corner, the ‘Vote Owen, get George’ question is one that Żurrieq’s voters will be considering carefully.