When will they ever learn?

Abstract

In a recent interview carried in The Malta Independent after the resumption of dredging works at Salina, Minister Ninu Zammit was quoted as saying that he could not understand why MEPA took so long to issue the necessary permits and also why permits were needed at all. "I don't know what the problem was. We did not ask to erect a large block of flats. We are just cleaning up 40 years of rubbish which was irresponsibly dumped in the sea." The journalist should have rebutted: "Works were halted maybe because they were taking place in a protected area of high ecological value protected by several pieces of legislation and which harbours restricted plant and animal species and archaeological remains." The minister's reply is symptomatic of a malaise in this country which does not recognise the value of 'ecology'. The Works Division can count on the services of an archaeologist, geologist, etc - you name it, they have it - except for a qualified ecologist.