Petition No.: 96 Signatures: 1522
Fourteenth Legislature (2022 - 2026 )
Details - Online
Title
Preserving Swatar’s Virgin Land for Present and Future Generations
Date
08-04-2026
Date petition closes for signatures
09-06-2026
Creator of petition
CHARLES SELVAGGI
Grievance
With reference to Planning Control applications PC/0013/17 and PC/00139/18, we wish to formally express our serious concern regarding the proposed development of the Swatar area (Msida and Birkirkara)—land which remains undeveloped and of significant environmental and social value.
This site constitutes the last remaining agricultural land within the locality, in an area that is otherwise fully urbanised. Its development would result in the irreversible loss of the very remaining open and natural space available to residents.
The land in question plays an important role in supporting the physical and mental well being of the surrounding communities by providing relief from dense development and contributing positively to residents’ quality of life. In addition, the site performs a critical environmental function by absorbing rainwater run off, thereby mitigating flood and drainage risks. Its development would significantly reduce this natural capacity, potentially leading to increased flooding, particularly in Msida.
Rather than further development, we respectfully request that the entirety of this land be retained as a green open space or afforested, for the benefit of residents of Swatar and surrounding localities. At present, residents must drive considerable distances to access public green spaces. Preserving this site would provide a sustainable, accessible natural area within the community, while safeguarding important environmental functions.
This site constitutes the last remaining agricultural land within the locality, in an area that is otherwise fully urbanised. Its development would result in the irreversible loss of the very remaining open and natural space available to residents.
The land in question plays an important role in supporting the physical and mental well being of the surrounding communities by providing relief from dense development and contributing positively to residents’ quality of life. In addition, the site performs a critical environmental function by absorbing rainwater run off, thereby mitigating flood and drainage risks. Its development would significantly reduce this natural capacity, potentially leading to increased flooding, particularly in Msida.
Rather than further development, we respectfully request that the entirety of this land be retained as a green open space or afforested, for the benefit of residents of Swatar and surrounding localities. At present, residents must drive considerable distances to access public green spaces. Preserving this site would provide a sustainable, accessible natural area within the community, while safeguarding important environmental functions.
Wherefore I/we respectfully request the House of Representatives to
Intervene decisively so that Planning Control applications PC/0013/17 and PC/00139/18 are withdrawn or rejected, and to ensure that the Swatar area is afforded the protection it so urgently deserves. We respectfully call for this land to be preserved in its natural state, not only as a safeguard for the environment, but as a lasting legacy for present and future generations, in recognition of its social, environmental, and public health significance.
Closing remarks
In conclusion, we firmly believe that the protection of this site transcends routine land‑use planning. It is a matter of sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and collective responsibility towards our communities. Once lost, such spaces cannot be reclaimed.
We therefore urge the House of Representatives to give this petition the serious consideration it warrants and to take the necessary steps to preserve one of the last remaining green sanctuaries in the locality, for the benefit of all.
We therefore urge the House of Representatives to give this petition the serious consideration it warrants and to take the necessary steps to preserve one of the last remaining green sanctuaries in the locality, for the benefit of all.