Nigret’s Mega Development: ‘Vote Owen, Get George’ – NGO Raises Questions

Tucked away in the quiet, picturesque village of Nigret, a whirlwind of activity has kicked up a dust storm, both literally and metaphorically. The once-sleepy streets, lined with traditional Maltese balconies and bougainvillea, now echo with the hum of heavy machinery and the chatter of construction workers. A mega development, codenamed ‘Project Horizon’, is underway, promising to transform this rural idyll into a bustling hub of modern living.

But not everyone is thrilled. An NGO, ‘Villages Malta’, has raised eyebrows, and not a few questions, about the project’s sudden green light. Their latest campaign, ‘Vote Owen, Get George’, is splashed across billboards and social media, leaving many a local scratching their heads. What’s the connection between the project, the former Opposition Leader Dr. Owen Bonnici, and the current Minister for Gozo, Dr. Clint Camilleri, affectionately known as ‘George’?

Nigret, with its winding lanes and stone farmhouses, is a world away from the towering high-rises of Sliema or St. Julian’s. Yet, Project Horizon promises to change all that. Plans include a mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces, all under the watchful eye of the Planning Authority (PA).

The PA’s approval, granted just months after Dr. Bonnici stepped down as Opposition Leader, has raised questions. ‘Villages Malta’ is among those querying the timing and the process. “We’re not against development,” says their spokesperson, Maria Azzopardi. “But we want to ensure it’s sustainable, respectful of our heritage, and in the best interest of the community. The speed at which this project has progressed raises concerns.”

The NGO’s campaign slogan has sparked curiosity and speculation. Dr. Bonnici, when asked, deflects questions with a smile, “I’m flattered by the attention, but I’m focused on my work in Parliament. As for Project Horizon, I wish the new owners and the PA all the best.”

Dr. Camilleri, meanwhile, is more forthcoming. “I think ‘Villages Malta’ is trying to create a stir where there is none,” he says. “The project was approved under the previous administration, and I’m simply ensuring it stays on track. As for the slogan, I take it as a compliment. I’ve always been transparent in my work, and I believe that’s what the people of Malta appreciate.”

So, is there a connection between the two politicians and the Nigret development? Or is ‘Villages Malta’ crying wolf? . But one thing’s for sure, the quiet village of Nigret is set to become a lot less quiet, and a lot more complex, in the coming months.