NGO Questions Nigret’s ‘Vote Owen, Get George’ Development

Picture this: a sprawling, 12-storey building looming over the quiet streets of Nigret, a sleepy village in the heart of Malta. This isn’t a scene from a dystopian film, but a reality that could soon unfold, according to plans submitted by local developer, Owen Bonnici. The catch? Bonnici is also running for council, and some are raising concerns about the potential ‘Vote Owen, get George’ scenario – a reference to the proposed development’s moniker, ‘George Tower’.

The Proposed Development

Standing at a colossal 120 metres tall, George Tower is set to dwarf Nigret’s current skyline, casting a long shadow over the village’s historic streets and traditional architecture. The project, valued at over €50 million, promises luxury apartments, retail spaces, and a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. But not everyone is thrilled about the proposed development.

Environmental NGO, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA), has raised red flags over the project, arguing that it goes against Malta’s own planning policies and could set a dangerous precedent for future developments. “This is not about being against development,” says FAA’s executive director, Dr. Marthese Portelli. “It’s about responsible development that respects our environment and heritage.”

‘Vote Owen, Get George’

Bonnici, the developer behind George Tower, is also a candidate in Nigret’s local council elections. His political opponents have seized on the connection, arguing that voting for Bonnici could effectively mean voting for the tower. “It’s a clear conflict of interest,” says Simon Azzopardi, a candidate for the opposing party. “If elected, how can Owen ensure he’s acting in the best interests of Nigret’s residents, when his own business stands to gain so much?”

Bonnici, however, dismisses the claims, insisting that his political ambitions and business ventures are separate entities. “I’m proud of my development record,” he says. “But my focus now is on serving the people of Nigret as their council member.”

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the politics and the planning, the George Tower debate raises broader questions about Malta’s approach to development. With the island nation grappling with a housing shortage and a booming construction industry, some argue that it’s time to reassess our priorities and ensure that development serves the needs of all Maltese, not just the wealthy few.

As Dr. Portelli puts it, “This isn’t just about Nigret, or even about George Tower. It’s about what kind of Malta we want to live in, and what kind of legacy we want to leave for future generations.”