ADPD’s Land Grab: Mellieħa Residents Fight to Save Green Lung

Picture this: the sun setting over the rolling hills of Mellieħa, the last stretch of untouched green lung in the north of Malta. Now imagine a concrete jungle sprouting up in its place. This is the scenario that Mellieħa residents and the Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) are fighting to prevent, as they call on the government to reverse its decision to transfer public land in the area to private developers.

From Green Belt to Concrete Jungle?

In a move that has sparked outrage among locals and environmentalists, the government has proposed transferring around 150,000 square metres of public land in Mellieħa to private developers. The land, located near the village core and the main road, is currently zoned as rural and forms part of the island’s green belt. However, the proposed development plan seeks to rezone it for residential and commercial use.

This isn’t just about losing a few fields, though. Mellieħa’s green lung is a vital lung for the entire north of Malta. It’s a crucial habitat for local flora and fauna, a vital carbon sink, and a beloved recreational spot for locals and tourists alike. Lose it, and we’re not just talking about a few lost views – we’re talking about a significant loss of biodiversity, increased flooding risks due to reduced groundwater recharge, and a dramatic change to the character of the area.

ADPD: The Voice of Resistance

The Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) Party has been at the forefront of the resistance against this proposed development. They’ve been collecting signatures, organising protests, and lobbying the government to reverse its decision. Their message is clear: Mellieħa’s green lung is not for sale.

“This is about more than just one piece of land,” says Carmel Cacopardo, AD’s spokesperson on the environment. “It’s about standing up for our right to clean air, green spaces, and a healthy environment. It’s about saying no to short-sighted development that prioritises profit over people and the planet.”

What’s Next?

The ball is now in the government’s court. They’ve promised to review the development plan, but with the election looming, it’s unclear whether they’ll listen to the voices of the people or the whispers of the developers. One thing is certain, though: the people of Mellieħa aren’t going down without a fight.

“We won’t stop until our voice is heard,” says Cacopardo. “We’ll be out on the streets, we’ll be in the newspapers, and we’ll be in the government’s inbox. Because this is our home, our green lung, and we won’t let them take it away from us.”

So, what can you do? Sign the petition, join the protests, and make your voice heard. Because this isn’t just about Mellieħa – it’s about the future of Malta’s green spaces, and the health of our planet.