Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1204548
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 JANUARY 2020 NEWS JAMES DEBONO A cluster of mature almond trees along the Central Link route in the vicinity of the Attard traffic lights has been obliterated in- stead of being carefully "trans- planted" to another location as required by a nature permit issued by the Environment and Resources Authority last year. Almond trees are protected by law and the maximum fine for uprooting such trees, according to regulation, amounts to €2,500 for every tree removed in breach of regulations. The ERA has confirmed the "deviations" from the permit is- sued last year, which it discov- ered during its monitoring of the project. A spokesperson also confirmed that Infrastructure Malta is now requesting a variation from the approved permit, to "address de- viations". The application is be- ing processed by the ERA, which insists this will be done "without prejudice to any action" that it may consider taking. "It is to be noted that this is a major project that may necessi- tate deviations from approved documents, whereby every effort is being made by ERA to guide IM to indicate variances before- hand so as to ascertain that IM undertakes works on protected trees within the parameters of the law," the ERA spokesper- son added. The ERA spokesper- son did not reply when asked whether ERA intended to fine Infrastructure Malta and by how much for not adhering with per- mit conditions. In total the project, as approved ,envisaged the transplanting of 237 trees including 60 almond trees, 40 of which are located in this cluster in Attard. The permit also foresees the complete uprooting of 63 Ital- ian cypress trees, 39 eucalyptus trees, 46 Aleppo pines and four Holm oaks. The trees were to be trans- planted and maintained by In- frastructure Malta for a period of three years from planting in another location, during which they were held responsible for the necessary after-care through "watering, weeding and pruning" as may be required. Should any of the transplanted trees die within the three-year period, IM is obliged to plant five ERA confirms 'deviations from permit', Infrastructure Malta asks for changes to permit Central Link works destroy almond trees which had to be relocated Cleared: one of the forthcoming new lanes for the Central Link MATTHEW VELLA THE husband of European Commissioner Helena Dal- li, the artist Patrick Dalli, was reported to have created a scene at the ministry of econ- omy after the newly-appointed minister did not renew his son Luke Dalli's legal consultancy. Patrick Dalli was said to have turned up unannounced at Silvio Schembri's ministry's reception at around 5pm, de- manding he meet the Minister. A witness said his tantrum at being refused a meeting lasted around 15 minutes. Dalli has, however, contested this version of events, in com- mens to MaltaToday: "I turned up at the ministry to request a meeting with Schembri. The re- ceptionist asked if I had an ap- pointment, which I did not, but I insisted that I had to see him immediately. After I was told I had no appointment, I did not stay there any longer than a few minutes. What I wanted to tell him was that the letter he sent my son, in which he informs him that his contract will be ter- minated within 30 days, could reflect badly on his record. I wanted him to reword that let- ter in a way that better reflects his service to the ministry. I did what any father would have done for their child." He later posted Schembri's photo on Facebook with the following message: "A little bit of power and these people treat the rest like flies. I asked for an appointment with the brand new Minister Silvio Schembri and he ignored me. Arrogance at its best. Relax, I won't ask for a favour. Be careful, 'mate' because it is the people who elect you and bring you down." His son Luke Dalli was awarded a legal consultancy by direct order of former econo- my minister Chris Cardona for €12,000 a year in 2017. Dalli was also given similar con- tracts to serve the Arts Coun- cil and Lands Authority, and is known to have worked closely with former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat during elec- tions. But Luke Dalli also posted on Facebook, saying he disasso- ciated himself from the com- ments his father had posted. "In the most correct of man- ners, the Minister explained to me his decision early last week. It is his prerogative to have around him the people to help him in the discharge of his duties. At that point in time, he said he needed tech- nical experts in other sectors. I apologise for this behaviour. Such a strong government should be united for the good of the country, and not get lost in these childish arguments." Helena Dalli husband's tantrum in ministry earns son's Facebook rebuke The artist Patrick Dalli (left) with son Luke and EU Commissioner Helena Dalli. Dalli says he did what any father would do for their son