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

Imagine this: you vote for one candidate, but another moves into the mayor’s office. This is the scenario an NGO is warning about in the upcoming local council elections in Malta. The Nigret mega development in St. Julian’s, initially proposed by former mayor Gino Nigret, is back in the spotlight, with environmentalists raising concerns that voting for one candidate could inadvertently hand power to another.

What’s the Nigret mega development?

The Nigret project, a €250 million residential and commercial complex, was first proposed in 2015. It includes a 37-story tower, the tallest in Malta, and a significant increase in density in the popular tourist area. The project was initially approved under the previous administration, led by Gino Nigret, but faced opposition from environmental groups and residents.

With local council elections around the corner, the Nigret development has resurfaced as a contentious issue. The Malta Developers Association has endorsed Owen Bonnici, the Labour Party candidate for mayor, raising concerns among environmental groups that a vote for Bonnici could pave the way for the Nigret project to proceed.

‘Vote Owen, get George’ – The NGO’s warning

Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA), an environmental NGO, has launched a campaign warning voters that “Vote Owen, get George.” The slogan is a reference to George Vella, the current mayor of St. Julian’s and the PN candidate for the upcoming elections. FAA argues that endorsing Bonnici could lead to Vella’s re-election, as the two candidates are seen as political rivals.

“We’re not saying don’t vote for Owen, but be aware of the implications,” said a spokesperson for FAA. “If Owen wins, but George gains more votes, it could be George who decides the fate of Nigret. We want voters to make an informed choice.”

St. Julian’s residents divided

St. Julian’s residents are divided on the issue. Some welcome the potential economic boost and modernisation the Nigret project could bring, while others fear it will lead to overdevelopment and increased traffic congestion in the already bustling tourist area.

“I think we need more development to keep up with demand,” said Joe, a local businessman. “But I also understand the concerns about traffic and the environment. It’s a tough one.”

Meanwhile, Maria, a long-time resident, is firmly against the project. “St. Julian’s is already crowded in the summer. I can’t imagine what it will be like with another 37-story tower. We need to protect our quality of life.”

With the local council elections scheduled for June 5, the debate around the Nigret mega development is set to continue. Environmental groups are urging voters to consider the potential implications of their vote, while political candidates are scrambling to address the concerns of residents.

As one local resident put it, “This election is about more than just who we want as mayor. It’s about the future of our town, and we all have a stake in that.”