Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1115758
2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 MAY 2019 NEWS Production of Risk Assessment Framework Expression of Interest (EOI) for the with Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) The Malta Digital Innovation Authority is seeking to issue an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the provision of a risk framework (which includes, as a minimum, the risk vision and taxonomy) on its operations and existence, in order to realistically and professionally be able to identify what the real risks facing it are, as well as to identify any means of mitigating possible risks where technically and feasibly possible. The EOI document can be downloaded from the website of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA): https://mdia.gov.mt/public-calls/ Any clarifications or addenda to the document will be uploaded and are available to view and download from the same website. The Authority reserves the right to refuse any offer even the most advantageous. Submission deadline is Friday 31st May. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Malta Today - MDIA Advert.pdf 1 10/05/2019 18:15 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The development also fore- sees student-housing accom- modation and tourism facili- ties. Building heights for both commercial and residential areas are being set at seven floors. The land was added to de- velopment boundaries in 2006 in the controversial ex- tension of building bounda- ries carried out by the Gonzi administration. But development in the area is presently restricted by a lo- cal plan policy which calls for a 'development brief' to set development parameters for the area. The brief will have to be prepared by the Plan- ning Authority and not by private developers. According to the local plan, a development brief should consider "low traffic generat- ing" employment uses in the area with "preference given to uses ancillary and related to the existing Mater Dei Hospital and the University". The provision of a limited amount of student housing is also to be considered. The brief shall also examine the scope for the expansion of the existing private school in this area. As proposed, the zoning application is proposing 27,139sq.m of "green spaces" and 26,237sq.m of new roads. But one resident objecting to the development said the development of the farmland will obliterate the natural separation of the surround- ing villages. "The remaining free space and greenery between Swa- tar and University should not be developed… the site contains many fields which are still utilised and serve as a buffer zone between the high- ly-developed areas of Swatar, Birkirkara and Msida." Another resident described this open space as "a vital source of fresh air". "Please don't take it away from us and condemn us to months of construction noise, dust and dirt," another resident begged. A block plan outlining the proposed development en- visages commercial develop- ment along the Birkirkara bypass, while the residential component is being proposed closer to the existing residen- tial area and the school. The central area will include a mix of developments. Two additional floors are also being proposed on the existing St Martin's school – plans also foresee a seven- storey "school redevelop- ment" site. Various landowners have filed the planning control ap- plication, which is aimed at setting the zoning of develop- ment on the site. The enormous site was one of the largest added to the de- velopment zones in 2006 and is bounded by Triq Dun Karm bypass, Triq is-Swatar, Triq Indri Grima and Triq Mons Innocenz Zammit. Apart from extensive agricultural fields, the area also includes a number of old farmhouses, rubble walls and some dwell- ings. The PA is also considering a zoning application on an- other massive site in Swatar, between Valley Road (behind the Charles Grech outlet) and Triq Indri Grima, on nearly 18,000sq.m of agricultural land. The latest plans fore- see 3,717sq.m of open spac- es, 5,779sq.m of streets, and residential and commercial development on 9,524sq.m of land. jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Land added to building zones in 2006 extension Various landowners have filed the planning control application, which is aimed at setting the zoning of development on the site The site contains many fields which are still utilised and serve as a buffer zone between the highly developed areas of Swatar, Birkirkara and Msida