Robert Abela promised on Thursday that the government would amend the 2006 Local Plan to protect farmland around the Boulebel Industrial Park from future development.
Addressing party supporters in Marsaxlokkk, the Prime Minister said that the government is amending local plans to protect the Bay of Yondok il Rumien and Marsascala, as well as plans to protect the rural areas of the Ceytun industrial area. He said that he is establishing a
Mr Abela's promise comes two months after community activist group Wirto Icejutun called on the government to amend the local plan for the area.
The land surrounding the industrial park had been allocated for expansion in the 1980s. When planners updated the local plan in 2006, that designation was maintained.
In 2010, the land was placed under the control of the Malta Industrial Estate (now INDIS), and in late 2015 farmers in the Weed Isliny area received eviction notices and were given one month to vacate their land. Ta.
The notification caused a public uproar and a years-long battle by Jeitung residents and activists to have the plan scrapped.
In 2018, the government withdrew land clearance plans and a meeting of the council's environment and planning committee called for amendments to the local plan for the area.
However, that recommendation was never implemented.
On Thursday, Abela recalled “a controversy from a few years ago” when the government wanted to expand the industrial area.
“At that time, Mr. Wirth Idjetun spoke out and started a debate about whether the country wanted to favor industry over the environment.
“The environment is a top priority for us… and today we can confirm that the local plan for the Boulebel area has been changed to ensure no development occurs that damages agricultural land,” he said.
