GozoNews.Com

The government does not want to investigate MEPA, especially now that the election is close. Alternattiva Demokratika said it notes that Minister George Pullicino, who is responsible for MEPA, is now backing out from saying that the reason for not reappointing Carmel Cacopardo is because he had chaired a meeting between AD and environmental NGOs with regards to reforming MEPA. Instead, Minister Pullicino and MEPA are now saying that the reason is one of conflict of interest.

Party Leader Dr Harry Vassallo, said that “this latest excuse given by MEPA and Pullicino is just a cover up to justify the decision regarding Cacopardo, since as is now public knowledge, this decision had been taken back in April 2006 (according to MEPA’s own Audit Office). The decision had been taken before the deadline for applications for the post of Director of Environmental Protection had closed.”

Alternattiva Demokratika insists on the truth in this matter and demands justice, instead of banal excuses to justify getting rid of Carmel Cacopardo. Dr Vassallo said that “if Minister Pullicino and MEPA were really interested in the MEPA Audit Office functioning well, then we would not have a situation where this office has not been functioning properly since last April. All this is happening against a background of a large number of permits being given out now that elections are so close.”

Alternattiva Demokratika also insists that the Ombudsman should intervene before it is too late, especially since Minister Pullicino has done absolutely nothing to solve this situation, and on the contrary he has applauded MEPA’s behaviour in this regard. AD also insists that the Ombudsman should act immediately so that this office is fully functioning and MEPA is once again under professional scrutiny.