23rd October 2001

A more acceptable solution should be found for Kalkara valley

While agriculture minister Ninu Zammit was praising the benefits of organic farming, the Planning Authority was busy sounding the death knell for one of the few organic farms on the islands.

Only two organic farms operate in Malta and now one of them – in the Kalkara valley - is to by consigned to history. The Planning Authority Board has one again shown that its priorities are wrong.

A more acceptable solution should be found for the Kalkara valley. Owners of land in the area proposed for development should be compensated and offered alternative land or money. The Kalkara valley is one of the few remaining natural open spaces in the south of Malta and it should be protected in its entirety.

Sustainable development entails meeting the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. In this case all Malta has lost part of a valley. While some families may have lost out on having a house there, there is a glut of empty dwellings that could accommodate their needs.

Both the UN and EU are committed to sustainable development. The Cabinet should reverse the decision of the PA and indicate that it too is committed to sustainable development.