Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546061
3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 5 AUGUST 2026 NEWS JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt 12 apartment blocks approved on Swatar valley side Man filmed breaking car window in Swieqi denied bail THE Planning Authority (PA) approved the development on a sloping 17,455sq.m site be- hind the Charles Grech outlet on Valley Road, Msida, despite widespread opposition from res- idents. The site was added to the de- velopment zone in 2006, subject to a condition stipulating that the lower half of the site could accommodate low-density de- tached buildings, while the up- per half was to remain largely open. Instead, the approved ap- plication extends across the en- tire site. The PA justified its recommen- dation for approval on the basis of a volumetric (3D) interpre- tation of "low density", which takes the site's topography into account. Submitted by David Grech in 2017, the application establish- es the zoning parameters for the new development. It was approved on condition that res- ervoirs with a minimum storage capacity of 7,400 cubic metres are constructed. This require- ment is based on a technical re- port prepared by architect Philip Grech. Discussion during today's meeting was limited to the res- ervoir issue, as all other planning matters had already been dis- cussed during a previous meet- ing held in July. Architect Carmel Cacopardo reminded the board that rainwa- ter is currently absorbed across the entire valley and noted that the technical report itself sug- gests that the volume of runoff could exceed 7,400 cubic metres. Labour MP Clint Azzopardi Flores, who had previously de- clared his opposition to the ap- plication, raised concerns about climate change and the need for adaptation measures in light of future flash floods that are ex- pected to become more frequent. Other Labour figures who op- posed the development included President Alex Sciberras and dis- trict MP Rebecca Buttigieg. The PN-led Msida Local Council and Momentum also objected to the proposal. The application had originally been scheduled for a decision by the Planning Authority in April, following a Planning Directorate report recommending approval. However, on 14 April, as the ap- plication was due to be consid- ered by the Planning Authority's Executive Council, Executive Chairman Johann Buttigieg re- quested clarification on the case officer's conclusions. As a result, the item was withdrawn from the agenda and referred back for internal review. Residents represented by the NGO Il-Kollettiv argued that the proposed development threat- ens one of Swatar's last remain- ing open spaces, describing the site as "a lung" in an area already heavily burdened by major traf- fic corridors serving Mater Dei Hospital and the University of Malta. More than 1,500 residents signed an official petition oppos- ing the development. A major zoning application in Swatar, envisaging the construction of 12 new apartment blocks on the undeveloped side of the valley, has been approved despite strong objections from residents, Momentum, the Msida Local Council, NGOs and MPs Site of the proposed development in Swatar NICOLE ATTARD nattard@mediatoday.com.mt ROHIT Uniyal appeared under arrest before the court charged with intentionally damaging an Audi and a Yamaha motorcycle during an incident which alleged- ly took place in Swieqi, at around 6am on 1 August. He was also charged with being found drunk and incapable of tak- ing care of himself and disturbing the public peace. The court heard that the police investigation began after one of the alleged victims filed a report at the Swieqi Police Station, claiming that the left-side mirror of his car had been extensively damaged. Footage of the incident, which showed a man damaging a vehicle, was also shared online. As part of the investigation, po- lice reviewed CCTV footage from the area. The prosecution explained that officers were informed that Uni- yal had been located at his apart- ment. When they arrived at the residence, the accused opened the door and was placed under arrest. The defence did not contest the validity of the arrest, and Uniyal pleaded not guilty to the charges. Requesting bail, the defence ar- gued that the accused has been liv- ing in Malta for several years, has a fixed address, works as a helper and cleaner, and is also attending courses locally. It further submitted that he has a clean criminal record and that, should he eventually be found guilty, remaining employed would allow him to compensate the alleged victims for the damage caused. The prosecution opposed the re- quest, arguing that Uniyal has no strong ties to Malta and lives with four other men who were alleged- ly present during the incident but failed to stop him. It also pointed out that, despite having the opportunity to do so, he never reported the incident to police or admitted that he had been intoxicated. After hearing submissions from both parties, the court noted that key witnesses, including the al- leged victims, have yet to testify and expressed concern that the accused could interfere with the evidence if released. The court therefore rejected the request for bail and ordered that Uniyal remain under arrest. The prosecution was led by Po- lice Inspectors Gabria Gatt and Nigel Buhagiar. Uniyal was represented by legal aid lawyer Martina Herrera. Magistrate Nadia Vella presided over the case. The incident happened at around 6:15am in Triq il-Keffa