Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/990836
maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 6 JUNE 2018 3 NEWS MATTHEW VELLA THE leader of Malta's Green Party has warned that Italy's new populist government could prove challenging for Malta over fears of a marked change in immigration policies. Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said the new government made of the far-right Lega and Movi- mento Cinque Stelle (M5S) could have serious consequenc- es for Malta. "Populist nationalists in gov- ernment who are not interested in cooperating and discussing difficult challenges and issues with neighbouring countries, including with Malta, will exac- erbate the challenges countries, especially EU member states and long-time friends, Malta and Italy, should face together," Cacopardo said. "Populist far-right nationalist, Lega's Matteo Salvini who is now deputy PM, has openly declared that he will be tightening up im- migration laws. He has pledged, amongst other issues, to reduce sea arrivals and increase expul- sions, and Salvini doesn't care if Malta ends up bearing the brunt of his policies. He is not interest- ed in a common policy or in dis- cussions on this complex issue." Cacopardo said that if Italy started closing its borders to third country citizens, Malta could witness a huge influx of migrants previously going to Italy. Salvini, also backed by for- mer Italian premier Silvio Ber- lusconi, has pledged to tear to shreds an "informal" agree- ment that Joseph Muscat and Matteo Renzi had drawn up; as a result of which Malta has not witnessed any arrival of im- migrants in Malta over a long period of time. "Maltese NGOs have been pointing out that the reception centres in Safi and Hal Far have been progressively downsized and neglected during the past years. Alternattiva Demokrati- ka is therefore asking the Mal- tese Prime Minister and Home Affairs minister Michael Farru- gia in what ways they are pre- paring to handle this possible increase in the influx of third country citizens at a time when the spring-summer season will encourage even more people to take the risk in crossing the Mediterranean. "Above all the Maltese gov- ernment should insist and seek out new allies in the EU so that all member states face these challenges together, increase initiatives to help former colo- nies develop sustainable econ- omies and develop a humane and reasonable common policy on migration based on true co- operation and solidarity." Greens warn of unilateral action on migration from Italy's Salvini 'Malta needs EU allies on migration', says Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Carmel Cacopardo JAMES DEBONO THE tarmacking of six kilometres of country paths leading to secluded coves along the Delimara coast is being carried out in the absence of any planning permit and consultation with the Environment and Resources Authority. This is because no planning permits are required for the resurfacing of exist- ing roads, when this does not entail any widening or changes to the footprint, a spokesperson for roads minister Ian Borg confirmed. In this case the works are required to upgrade over six kilometres of rural roads between Zejtun, Tas-Silg and Delimara, including the resurfacing of the coun- try roads leading to St Peter's Pool and Kalanka. Transport Malta is committed to com- plete these works "as soon as possible, to provide safer access to this popular beach, by summer". Presently the roads offer a bumpy and dusty ride to motorists on their way to the secluded coves on the Delimara coast. But the development has been described as a double-edged sword by environmen- talist Alan Deidun; a member of the En- vironment and Resources Authority's board. While recognising that the road upgrade will make the beach more accessible and less dangerous to cars, it will increase the risks for the ecology of the area. Deidun warned that the development will increase the "probability of a mass exodus to the bay in summer" and "the probability of littering in the area". It also increases the likelihood of "the first kiosks and other catering establishments sprout- ing up in the area." Deidun has proposed a ban on kiosks in the area and the beefing up of the litter- collection service on site. But the PA has already approved the reconstruction of the Delimara hotel which will also have its own restaurant open to the general public. St Peter's Pool presently lacks any such facilities. A spokesperson for the Roads Minister assured MaltaToday that the existing country roads' will not be widened or altered through these works. The only exception will be the repair of small sec- tions of existing roadside rubble walls that have "collapsed onto the road, or were damaged, in the past". The upgrading of the rural roads be- tween Zejtun and Tas-Silġ, Delimara, Marsaxlokk, Xrobb l-Ghagin, and the Kalanka, Hofriet and St Peter's Pool bays, forms part of an ongoing effort to im- prove the infrastructure of rural roads. "These rural roads are used by hundreds of farmers, as well as by many other in- dividuals who visit rural areas for recrea- tional purposes, such as hiking or swim- ming". Over 60 rural roads will be resurfaced by Transport Malta and local councils through a recently-announced project co-financed by the European Union. Oth- er rural roads will be upgraded through Government funds. Delimara road works raise fears of mass 'invasion' Matteo Salvini