Marsaskala Residents Object To Jerma Redevelopment EIA

Marsaskala Residents’ Network (MRN) is calling on the environmental authority not to accept the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed redevelopment of the former Jerma Palace Hotel in its current form.

In a formal submission, the residents' group highlighted inconsistencies in the assessment, including conflicting figures on hotel rooms, apartments, parking spaces, building heights and excavation levels. It also pointed out that one technical report contains a reference to an unrelated project near the Magħtab landfill.

The Network raised concerns about the development's potential impact on Marsaskala Bay, air quality, traffic, local wildlife and nearby heritage sites, particularly St Thomas Tower and the surrounding salt pans.

It also questioned whether existing water, sewage and road infrastructure could accommodate the development, calling for clarity on who would be responsible for funding any necessary upgrades.

MRN argued that the costs of infrastructure required to make a private development viable should not be passed on to residents and taxpayers.

The group is also proposing a smaller, less intensive alternative for the site, suggesting an observatory and astronomy education project that could incorporate environmental education and local heritage.

Among its demands are independent assessments of excavation risks, stronger environmental safeguards, public monitoring and revised assessments being reopened for public consultation.

MRN is encouraging the public to submit feedback on the EIA by 10 November 2026, with further guidance available through its Facebook post.

#MaltaDaily

Source: Marsaskala Residents Network