Residents protest against application for nursing home on ODZ land in Swieqi

Residents gathered to protest against the proposed development of a nursing home located on Outside the Development Zone land on Thursday evening.

A statement by the protesters read that no construction should take place on the protected land. Instead, they are calling for the removal of the remains "of an existing abusive building," advocating for the site to be restored to its original natural state.

The protesters emphasized the importance of preserving ODZ sites, which are designated to remain undeveloped to protect the environment and maintain the area's natural beauty. They argued that accepting the development application on the grounds that the site is 'near the building line' sets a dangerous precedent. Such reasoning, they contend, could lead to the eventual development of every piece of unbuilt land, eroding the integrity of protected zones.

The residents of San Andria Apartments also highlighted that this major development will severely encroach on the access to their properties and garages. "The narrow cul-de-sac pathway, which is already limited in space, will be used daily, 24/7, by vehicles associated with a large-scale establishment. This includes supplier trucks, maintenance operators, ambulances, hearses, and care facilitators, in addition to all the staff and relatives visiting their families. This constant influx of traffic will not only cause substantial inconvenience but also raise safety concerns for our community. The increased traffic will hinder our ability to enter and exit their properties freely and safely."

Furthermore, other residents highlighted that the justification of building a home for the elderly should not be used to encroach upon protected areas, the statement read. "While acknowledging the need for such facilities, they insisted that alternative locations within designated development zones should be considered, ensuring that ODZ sites remain untouched. This has also been an electoral promise by this government in the last general election."

The mayor, who attended the protest, was urged by the residents to take a firm stand against the proposed development and to work towards the restoration of the site, the statement continued. The community remains hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the integrity of the ODZ will be upheld, the statement read.

"The residents of our community are planning to step up their actions in the coming days to preserve what is left of the natural areas on our island. Our commitment to safeguarding these precious environments has never been stronger, and we are determined to protect them from further development."

"We are organizing a series of activities and protests aimed at raising awareness and putting pressure on the relevant authorities to reconsider any plans that threaten our island's remaining natural landscapes. Our goal is to ensure that these areas are maintained for the enjoyment and benefit of current and future generations."