---
title: "Momentum Condemns Nigret Development Approval, Calls it 'Betrayal'"
date: 2026-07-29T14:01:46.542+00:00
updated: 2026-07-29T23:01:32.925+00:00
topics: ["Politics", "Planning", "Environment", "Community", "National", "Local"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-07-29/momentum-condemns-nigret-development-approval-calls-it-betrayal
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# Momentum Condemns Nigret Development Approval, Calls it 'Betrayal'

## In brief

- Momentum criticised the Planning Authority's approval of the first apartment block in Żurrieq's Nigret area.
- The group described the decision as a "betrayal" of Prime Minister Robert Abela's pre-election promise.
- Activists and residents had strongly opposed the development, which is the first of five proposed for the area.

Momentum has strongly criticised the Planning Authority's (PA) decision to approve the first major apartment block in Żurrieq's Nigret area. The group labelled the approval a "betrayal" of Prime Minister Robert Abela's pre-election commitment to protect the land from development.

The Planning Authority's decision marks the approval of the first of five proposed developments for the Nigret area. This approval comes despite fervent opposition from hundreds of activists and local residents.

Momentum highlighted that the Prime Minister had previously pledged to safeguard the Nigret area from further construction during his pre-election campaign. The group's statement underscores the perceived contradiction between this promise and the recent PA approval.

Residents and environmental activists have consistently voiced concerns about the systematic erosion of public spaces and the impact on the quality of life in communities across Malta. The Nigret development has been a focal point of these concerns.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** Times of Malta reported the Planning Authority's decision to approve the development despite objections.

## Updates

- **2026-07-29:** Updated with the Planning Authority's decision to approve the controversial apartment block in Nigret, Żurrieq, despite public objections.

## Sources (3)

- [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/momentum-accuses-abela-of-betrayal-over-nigret-development-approval/)
- [Lovin Malta](https://lovinmalta.com/lifestyle/environment/momentum-calls-nigret-pa-decision-betrayal-by-the-prime-minister/)
- [Times of Malta](https://timesofmalta.com/article/pa-approve-controversial-nigret-block.1132025)

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---

Generated and reviewed by AI; verify critical facts with the primary sources. When citing, link readers to the canonical article: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-07-29/momentum-condemns-nigret-development-approval-calls-it-betrayal