Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/232206
13 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 22 DECEMBER 2013 The deeds of past Nationalist governments weigh heavily on his criticism of the present government's pro-development agenda. But Ryan Callus argues he is not here to defend the past and now it's time to look forward and tilt the balance in favour of the environment face? before embarking on a more comprehensive planning exercise. An example is the new policy on ODZ development, which will an intense development of farmland into agritourism developments. "I hail from Siggiewi, a village of farmers and I appreciate their difficulties. But I also believe that farmers are the custodians and the ultimate defenders of our environment. What worries me is that decisions on this issue will be taken on a case-bycase basis." But with the new ODZ policy being proposed in the absence of studies to establish any demand for such developments, Callus denounces the absence of a Strategic Impact Assessment, an EU requirement for any plan with an impact on the environment. "Such a study is important not simply because it is a legal requirement but because it would helped us determine the best uses of agricul- tural land. This would have helped us adapt our policies to real needs." Another dangerous policy is the abolition of the two-storey limit for countryside dwellings. "Can you imagine walking in the countryside and being faced with three or four storey developments?" Callus asks. He says he is also concerned by the creation of an ad hoc committee directly appointed by the government, to issue a preliminary permit before a fireworks factory application is assessed by MEPA. He points out that the policy does not even refer to the composition of the board. "Shouldn't we specify that such a board should include representatives of the police, the civil protection department and other experts in the field instead of leaving up everything to the minister?" And on a new policy on building heights, Callus criticises the lack of any maps that clearly delineate which areas are being deemed suitable for high-rise development. He points out that the policy refers to Tigné, but the border between Tigné and Sliema is not determined, and expresses reservations on the inclusion of Pembroke as one of the sites for high buildings. "Is this being done to increase the value of the PL's property in Pembroke?" he asks, in a reference to the derelict Australia Hall which was until recently about to be reclaimed by the government before Labour stopped a requisition case filed in the courts by the previous administration. When I point out that Michael Farrugia has already stated that the Pembroke area does not border on Australia Hall, Callus immediately points out that no area is strictly delineated in the plan in which the whole of Pembroke is included. In fact a star on the whole of Pembroke only indicates the area. He says another loophole is that the policy fails to specify whether open spaces that must be included for any tall building, will be public or not. "The trend is to leave many loopholes and discretionary powers which could be open to abuse and arbitrary decisions," Callus says. Back in September, as a MEPA board member, Callus voted against the decision to allow Enemalta to continue using heavy fuel oil (HFO) at the Delimara power station, despite a commitment by Labour back in 2012 to switch immediately to diesel before its shift to natural gas. Wasn't it ironic that a representative of a party which in government took the decision to operate the power station on HFO, now objects to extending its use for the next two years? "I made it very clear that I was voting against the extension of the permit to use HFO, not because there is a threat to people's health from the present plant, but because as a representative of the people I could not vote against a solemn political commitment made by the Labour Party in opposition." Callus refers to the PL's statement issued in December 2011, which stated that the Delimara extension should immediately shift to gasoil diesel before being converted to natural gas. He says that throughout the electoral campaign, Labour constantly referred to the power station as a cancer factory. "People living in the power station's environs were alarmed by these declarations. People were even afraid of allowing their children to play in the streets because of this scaremongering…. How can you than seek an extension for the use of HFO for another two years after causing so much alarm?"