PN Adviser Tied to Controversial Ġgantija Heights Project
In a twist of political irony, it has emerged that a high-ranking Nationalist Party (PN) adviser is tied to the controversial Ġgantija Heights project, a development that his own party had previously lambasted as ‘scandalous’.
From Critic to Player
The Ġgantija Heights project, a proposed luxury development in Xagħra, Gozo, has been a contentious issue for years. The project, which includes a five-star hotel and over 100 luxury apartments, has faced criticism from environmentalists and local residents due to its potential impact on the surrounding countryside and the Ġgantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In 2018, PN MP and now party leader Bernard Grech, along with other party members, publicly criticized the project, with Grech describing it as ‘scandalous’ and ‘an insult to the people of Gozo’. However, it has now come to light that a senior PN adviser, Dr. Mario Mallia, is a shareholder in the company behind the project, Għorġ Mallia Developments.
PN’s Response: ‘No Conflict of Interest’
When contacted for comment, the PN maintained that there was no conflict of interest in Dr. Mallia’s involvement. A party spokesperson stated, “Dr. Mallia’s role in the party is purely advisory and has no bearing on his personal investments. The PN remains committed to its principles and will continue to advocate for the best interests of the Maltese people.”
Dr. Mallia, a prominent lawyer and academic, has served as a PN adviser for several years. He has been involved in various aspects of the party’s policy-making, including its environmental policy. However, the PN has been quick to point out that Dr. Mallia’s involvement in the Ġgantija Heights project predates his role as an adviser.
Environmental Concerns Persist
Despite the PN’s reassurances, environmental groups have expressed concern about the potential impact of the project on the Ġgantija Temples and the surrounding area. Flimkien Għal-Ambjent Ahwa (FAA), a leading environmental NGO, has called for a full environmental impact assessment (EIA) to be carried out before any further development takes place.
“The Ġgantija Temples are a unique part of Malta’s cultural heritage,” said a spokesperson for FAA. “We cannot allow short-sighted development to compromise their integrity. We urge all political parties to put pressure on the government to ensure that this project is subject to the most stringent environmental scrutiny.”
As the Ġgantija Heights project continues to divide opinion, one thing is clear: the involvement of a senior PN adviser in the project has added a new dimension to the debate. With local elections on the horizon, all eyes will be on how the PN navigates this latest twist in the long-running controversy.
