The environment group Flimkien għall-Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) welcomes MEPA’s decision to instruct the developers of Fort Cambridge project (ex-Holiday Inn, Sliema) to prepare an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA).
FAA spokesperson Astrid Vella commented “This confirms what FAA has always maintained that an EIA was required for this project from the very start and not after the outline permit has been granted. Still this gives a very important message to developers that now that we are in the EU, even at this late stage, changes may be required in order to meet environmental standards”
The EIA will be covering topics which FAA along with the Qui si-Sana Residents’ Association had identified as being the most important issues for the well-being of the Tigne Community and Malta as a whole. These are the cumulative impact created by 3 mega-projects and other buildings adding over 1,300 new apartments and the toxic exhaust fumes of over 3,000 cars in Tigne’s steep and narrow streets. Wind and Visual Impact studies will also be carried out.
The FAA spokesperson concluded by saying “This is a milestone decision on MEPA’s part. It has to be accepted that the health of the people comes before commercial interests.”