Ramblers, Flimkien ghal-Ambjent Ahjar, NatureTrust and MOAM have said that they welcome the news that development on the Bahrija valley site has halted as investigations into the granting of the controversial permit take their course.

The NGOs said they would also like to clarify that at no time was any reference made to the permit being issued after the election. They said it was other permits that were mentioned as being granted recently, referring to areas Outside Development Zone such as Wied il-Ghasel, contrary to Dr Scerri’s impression that he had been singled out for attention.

The NGOs added that they have no interest in attacking any individual but choose rather to focus on the Development Control Commission which approves permits recommended for refusal by the Case Officer. The NGOs said they will also continue to challenge architects who specialise in obtaining dubious permits, regardless of which side they sit in Parliament.

FAA, Ramblers and Nature Trust added that they are not against agricultural, infrastructural or other bona-fide development in the countryside which respects planned policy and environmental constraints as well as honouring European and international obligations.

The NGOs concluded by reiterating their positive response to the suspension of works and said that they trust that a thorough investigation will be carried out by the MEPA Auditor whose role it is to investigate such cases and who enjoys the trust of all. They furthermore called on MEPA to handle this matter speedily so that justice will be done to all parties.

Photograph above shows the excavation for the two-storey rustic house to replace three tool-rooms that is thought to be in excess of the excavation footprint permitted by MEPA, leading MEPA to stop the works pending investigations.