ADPD: Mellieħa Land Transfer ‘A Slap in the Face of Public Consultation’

Mellieħa residents and environmental activists are up in arms as the government presses ahead with the transfer of public land to a private developer. The Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) has slammed the decision, calling it ‘a slap in the face of public consultation’ and demanding a reversal of course.

From Public to Private: The Controversial Transfer

The land in question, a 15,000 square meter plot in the heart of Mellieħa, has been earmarked for a luxury development by local construction giant, Tumas Group. The plot, currently owned by the Malta Industrial Parks Corporation (MIPC), is set to be transferred to the developer for a mere €1.5 million, sparking outrage among locals and environmentalists.

ADPD, the environmental arm of Alternattiva Demokratika, has been at the forefront of the opposition to this transfer. “This land is not just a piece of real estate,” says ADPD’s Mellieħa coordinator, Mark Mallia. “It’s a part of our heritage, our identity. It’s a green lung in an otherwise urbanising area. And it’s been taken away from us without so much as a by-your-leave.”

Public Consultation: A Sham?

The government has maintained that the transfer is in line with the country’s economic interests and that due process has been followed. However, ADPD argues that the public consultation process was nothing more than a sham. “We held a public meeting in Mellieħa,” Mallia says, “and not a single representative from the government or the MIPC showed up. How is that consultation?”

The plot of land in question is located just off Triq San Pawl, a stone’s throw from the bustling Mellieħa square. It’s a spot that locals know well, a green space where children play and families picnic. The proposed development, a high-end residential complex, would see this space replaced with luxury apartments and high-end retail outlets.

Environmental Concerns: More Than Just a Green Space

But the issue is not just about losing a green space, argues ADPD. The land in question is also home to a number of native plant species, some of which are endangered. “This is not just about losing a pretty view,” Mallia says. “This is about losing a piece of our biodiversity. It’s about losing a piece of our natural heritage.”

ADPD has called on the government to reverse the transfer, to engage in meaningful consultation with the local community, and to prioritise environmental sustainability over short-term economic gain. “This is not about being against development,” Mallia says. “It’s about being for responsible development. It’s about being for a future where our children can still enjoy the beauty of Mellieħa, where they can still breathe clean air and see green spaces.”

The government has so far declined to comment on ADPD’s allegations, maintaining that the transfer is in line with the country’s economic interests and that due process has been followed.

As the battle lines are drawn, one thing is clear: the future of Mellieħa’s green spaces hangs in the balance. And with it, the future of public consultation, environmental sustainability, and responsible development in Malta.