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

In the heart of Malta’s bustling Msida, a towering crane stands sentinel over the sleepy Nigret Gardens, a stark contrast to the peaceful scene just months ago. The crane, a harbinger of change, has sparked a storm of controversy, with an NGO questioning the development’s true intentions and the political strings that may be pulling its strings.

From Green Oasis to Concrete Jungle

Nigret Gardens, a lush green lung nestled between Msida’s busy streets and the Grand Harbour, has been earmarked for a massive development project. The plans, submitted by local developer Nigret Holdings, propose a 15-story mixed-use complex, complete with residential units, offices, and retail spaces. But not everyone is thrilled about the proposed transformation of this urban oasis.

Environmental NGO, Nature Trust Malta, has raised the alarm, arguing that the development goes against the principles of sustainable urban development and could lead to the loss of valuable green space. “Nigret Gardens is one of the few remaining green areas in Msida,” says Dr. Martin Galea Debono, CEO of Nature Trust Malta. “Its loss would be a significant blow to the city’s biodiversity and the quality of life of its residents.”

‘Vote Owen, Get George’: The Political Twist

Adding fuel to the fire is the political dimension of the development. Nigret Holdings is owned by George Debono, a prominent businessman and the brother of Owen Bonnici, Malta’s Minister for Education and Employment. The company’s plans were approved by the Planning Authority just months after Bonnici’s party, the Labour Party, won the 2020 general election.

Nature Trust Malta has questioned the timing and the process of the approval, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. “The Planning Authority’s decision to approve this project raises serious questions about the independence of the planning process,” says Dr. Galea Debono. “The public has a right to know whether political considerations played a role in this decision.”

In response to these allegations, Owen Bonnici has maintained that he has no involvement in his brother’s business affairs. “I have no influence over the decisions made by the Planning Authority,” he stated in a recent interview. “The approval process is independent and based on merit alone.”

Community Backlash and the Fight for Green Space

The proposed development has also sparked a backlash among Msida residents. A group of concerned citizens has formed a committee, ‘Save Nigret Gardens,’ to fight against the project. They argue that the development will lead to increased traffic congestion, loss of parking spaces, and an eyesore that will mar the historic skyline of the Three Cities.

“This is not about being against development,” says committee spokesperson, Maria Camilleri. “It’s about responsible development that respects the environment and the needs of the community. We’re not going to stand by and watch our green space being paved over.”

The committee has organized several protests and has launched an online petition, calling on the government to reconsider the project. They have also appealed the Planning Authority’s decision, hoping to halt the development in its tracks.

As the battle for Nigret Gardens continues to rage, one thing is clear: the future of this prime piece of real estate is far from certain. The ‘Vote Owen, get George’ slogan may have been intended as a joke, but it has underscored the complex web of politics, business, and environmental concerns that surround this contentious development.

whether Nigret Gardens will remain a green oasis or be transformed into a concrete jungle. But one thing is for sure: the fight for this patch of green is far from over.