18th December 2001

Environment NGO asks for clarification on environmental responsibilities

Francis Zammit Dimech’s recent announcement that certain environmental responsibilities will be handed over to the Planning Authority has left us all unclear as to the future of environmental protection in the Maltese Islands. If NGOs are confused, the public must be even more so.

As things stand certain responsibilities will fall under the Minister for the Interior, others under what is to remain of the Environment Protection Department and still others with the Minerals Resources Authority.

All this will make the Environment Ministry even more of a misnomer than it ever was. Is Francis Zammit Dimech to be the minister for the environment if environment protection is no longer his responsibility?

Friends of the Earth (Malta) recommends that one minister and one ministry is made solely responsible for the environment with clearly defined goal and responsibilities.

Dr. Zammit Dimech’s recent statement has left many more unanswered questions than we faced previously. We would not like this situation of uncertainly to continue for too long and call on the government to indicate how and with what resources the Planning Authority will be taking on its environment responsibilities.