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

Imagine this: you vote for one candidate, but end up with another. This isn’t a political thriller, but a real-life scenario playing out in Malta’s local council elections. In the heart of Birkirkara, a mega development project, Nigret, is causing a stir. The project, initially proposed by former mayor Owen Bonnici, is now being pushed forward by his successor, George Vella. But is this a case of ‘vote Owen, get George’?

Nigret: A Brief Overview

Nigret, a sprawling development project, aims to transform a vast tract of land in Birkirkara into a mixed-use complex. The plan includes residential units, offices, retail spaces, and a public square. But the project’s scale and impact have sparked controversy and raised eyebrows among locals and environmentalists.

The land in question, known as ‘Il-Qaliet’ or ‘The Quarry’, is a historic site. It was once a limestone quarry, then a landfill, and now a green space beloved by locals. The proposed development, spanning over 200,000 square meters, would significantly alter the area’s scene and character.

From Owen to George: A Change in Leadership

Owen Bonnici, the former mayor of Birkirkara, proposed the Nigret project during his tenure. Despite initial opposition, the project gained traction and was approved by the Planning Authority. But in 2021, Bonnici lost his mayoral seat to George Vella. Now, Vella is the one championing Nigret, leading some to question if their votes for Bonnici were essentially votes for Vella’s agenda.

George Vella, in an interview with Hot Malta, defended his position on Nigret. “The project was approved under the previous administration,” he said. “Our job now is to ensure it’s implemented in a way that benefits Birkirkara and its residents.”

NGOs Raise Concerns

Several NGOs, including Din l-Art Ħelwa and Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, have expressed concern over the Nigret project. They argue that the development will lead to increased traffic congestion, loss of green space, and potential environmental degradation.

“This project is a textbook example of urban sprawl,” said a spokesperson for Din l-Art Ħelwa. “It goes against all principles of sustainable development and urban planning.”

The NGOs have called for a re-evaluation of the project, urging the council to consider alternative plans that prioritize sustainability and the preservation of Birkirkara’s unique character.

What’s Next for Nigret?

The future of Nigret remains uncertain. The project is currently in its early stages, with construction not expected to begin until 2023 at the earliest. In the meantime, the council and NGOs are engaged in a dialogue, each hoping to shape the project to their vision.

Birkirkara resident and environmental activist, Maria Azzopardi, sums up the sentiment of many locals. “We want development, but not at the cost of our environment and quality of life. We hope our voice is heard.”

As the debate over Nigret continues, one thing is clear: the ‘vote Owen, get George’ narrative has sparked a conversation about accountability, transparency, and the role of local councils in shaping Malta’s urban scene.