Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1484063
NEWS 16 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 13 NOVEMBER 2022 MARIANNA CALLEJA OMBUDSMAN Anthony Mifsud has scolded government for disregarding planning devel- opment rules, by carrying out illegal developments before ob- taining the appropriate authori- sations. Mifsud drew the Planning Au- thority's attention to rules that sanction illegal buildings built on land outside the development zone (ODZ). "We have reached the ridicu- lous stage where a public author- ity is sentenced to pay a penalty to another public authority in order to normalise this behav- iour. Money is moving from one government pocket to anoth- er with people bearing the true price of the abuse," expressed Mifsud. Despite not being mentioned by the ombudsman, a clear case in point is Infrastructure Malta's fine of €50,000. Back in July, the court ruled that IM's CEO – at the time – Fredrick Azzopardi, carried out roadworks at Wied Qirda, ignoring a stop order is- sued by the Environment and Resources Authority over a breach of environmental regu- lations. In such situations, it would perhaps be more appropriate that at least the penalty be tak- en by those who consciously and voluntarily abuse their power and arrogantly break the law, the Ombudsman said. "That would be an effective measure of accountability... In such cases, the penalty should be paid by the individuals who in- tentionally and willingly misuse their authority and disobey the law," suggested Mifsud. The Ombudsman believes that "this culture of sanctioning" should be prioritised on the po- litical agenda. Mifsud suggested the govern- ment start with an in-depth study of the negative effects it has on proper public adminis- tration, and how it is applied and abused in practice in favour of those who intend to voluntarily and consciously break the law or ignore the regulations in a bla- tant way. While recalling that the law is the same for everyone and no one is above the law, Antho- ny Mifsud concluded by say- ing "even in these sectors, good governance is hindered by weak legislation that can give rise to abuse." mcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt Government launders planning breaches with court fines, says ombudsman Ombudsman Anthony Mifsud "We have reached a ridiculous stage where a public authority is sentenced to pay penalty to another public authority to normalise illegal behaviour"