Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) is gratified that not only has the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of sustainable development and the need for MEPA reform in his recent Parliamentary speech, but has also confirmed the Government's commitment to regularise political party funding.

Over the past few weeks, FAA has actively put forward several solutions towards a better environment which could be implemented even before MEPA's structures and regulations are overhauled, a process which will take time. These measures include the reconstituting of the DCC boards with a reduced complement on a full-time basis, while building up the departments of enforcement, heritage and nature protection as well as strengthening the MEPA Auditor's Office.

FAA maintains that the issue of political party financing now being considered by Government is one of the root issues undermining MEPA's correct functioning. The issue, admittedly, is very sensitive, however the present political situation offers the governing party a window of opportunity which may be hard to come by at a later stage. If this opportunity is not seized, much of the work carried out so far by environmental NGOs stands to be lost.

No one can deny that the main political parties have, over the years, undertaken considerable financial obligations tied to electoral campaigns, property ownership and building of headquarters as well as the ongoing burden of the party media. These financial obligations, without any attempt to regulate the acquisition of finances have, at times, ended up on the construction industry's doorstep, which in turn has put a lot of undue pressure on the property market, and more seriously on the planning process, to the detriment of the public interest. This much has in fact already been expressed to some degree in the press, however FAA is concerned that the authorities may not fully recognise the fact that a part of MEPA's problems may possibly stem from such political financing.

FAA maintains that all the favourable pointers indicate that the time is now ripe to to ensure that MEPA officials are able to get on with their work without any undue pressure, which would permit MEPA to finally become a truly reformed and just environment Authority rather than being regarded by some as a mere provider of permits. Now is the time for Government to regularise party financing, and eliminate any risk of MEPA being drawn into political/developer financing once and for all.

Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar

www.ambjentahjar.org