Ramblers Association of Malta

29 Jan 2012: The Seven Chapels of Wardija - Part 1

2012-01-29T21:00:00.005+01:00

Another interesting walk led by Simon.

Some pictures below, and more pictures in Part 2.

Il-Kappella ta' San Martin

Il-Kappella tal- Madonna tal-Abbandunati

Il-faccata tal-kappella tal-Madonna tal-Abbandunati

Kappella ta' San Gorg

Il-Palazz Qannotta

Il-Kappella ta' San Xmun l-Appostlu

Il-Gzejjer ta' Selmunett

Il-Hotba ta' Gaba

View from Wardija

Il-Kappella ta' San Gwann l-Ghammiedi

29 Jan 2012: The Seven Chapels of Wardija: Part 2

2012-01-29T20:00:00.001+01:00

Descending towards Wied Qannotta

A hidden footpath

Palazz Gerxija

Il-Kunzijjoni ta' Wied Qannotta

Il-Qolla

Heading towards Bidnija

The seventh chapel

The Eighth Chapel?? (a mock chapel)

NGOs call on parties to agree to remove Armier squatters

2012-01-11T22:46:00.000+01:00

Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 10:31

NGOs call on parties to agree to remove Armier squatters

The Environmental groups Ramblers' Association, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Friends of the Earth, Din l-Art Helwa, Nature Trust have welcomed the decision by MEPA to turn down an application by Enemalta for a substation to be built in Armier which, they said, was intended to serve the squatter community there.

"We now urge the two main political parties to unite behind the move for the demolition of Armier's illegal township and to prove that they are able to place national before party interests. Environmental concerns cannot be dissociated from political ones especially in pre-election periods. The issue of usurped public land is of grave national importance and politicians who close their eyes to the misappropriation of public property are not working in the interest of their country but of their party."

The NGOs said the refusal of the Enemalta application for the Armier substation by the Mepa Board does not mean that the Armier problem has been solved.

"The squatters will now almost certainly intensify efforts to retain their illegal occupation of land which rightly belongs to all Maltese, by trying to hold politicians to ransom through the power of their voting numbers, as they did before the last general election.

"If the abuse committed at Armier is legalised, MEPA will lose the hard-earned credibility it has gained. Certainly MEPA will set a precedent which could render it unable to prevent or penalise any misappropriation of land that takes place anywhere else on the Maltese Islands."

The NGOs said continued control over the correct and legal use of property is crucial to the stability and prosperity of Malta and its people.

"In the prevailing circumstances political parties that put their interest above the national one cannot expect to enjoy the trust of environmental groups and their followers."

19 comments

Paul Borg

Today, 08:36

Once there was a project proposed for Armier to demolish all the illegal structures and build 400 smaller units . The present squatters would have the right of first refusal in the offers. This project made a lot of sense and would have created some order in the area. Like a holiday village managed by a cooprative. So what happened to this project?

Joseph Calleja

Yesterday, 15:43

If the NGOs are asking for MEPA to demolish the Armier illegal boat houses then they must also ask for the demolition of every other illegal boathouse built on public land on the islands of Malta and Gozo. Illegal is illegal everywhere, except in Malta and Gozo.. To be honest I think the NGOs are a bunch of dreamers if they think they can convince MEPA to accomplish such a challenge. MEPA belongs to and is run by the government, like any other political department does. Failing Air Malta is a good example. Another good example is Transport Malta and the fiasco it created. The courts, the prisons and so on and so forth. Too many votes in the way, too much politics and too much corruption in the government. Never happen.

M. Schembri

Yesterday, 14:52

"In the prevailing circumstances political parties that put their interest above the national one cannot expect to enjoy the trust of environmental groups and their followers."

That's what makes The Greens different.

Godfrey Camilleri

Yesterday, 13:44

I do not know why everybody is clapping hands saying that Mepa refused the application for a substation at Armier when all that Mepa did was telling Enemalta to find an alternative site, hereby indicating that if an application on an approved site is submitted, it will be approved. Hence the battle for the squatters removal is very far from being won.

M Farrugia

Yesterday, 13:38

Hbieb naf li dak li qed titolbu huwa genwin u minghajr interess politiku, imma nahseb li qeda titolbu izzejjed meta wiehed jaf kif jahdmu il-partit f'Malta. Keep on the pressure on both parties, this is the only solution.

Mario Sammut

Yesterday, 13:18

I ask the Labour Party !!!!! What is your position regarding the illegal squatting of one of the most beautiful parts of our island ???? I mean do you condone this type of land stealing ???? Tell us dear Joseph , what would you do with these tin huts taking up the best positions of Armier ??? You and your party seem to have all the answers to everything . I await in awe to read what you have to say .

Daniel Gaffarena

Yesterday, 16:09

Just so you know, most of those houses where built long before we where born and at a time where it was not illegal to build on that land, I don't think they should be taking them down, that would be a wrong move.

Peter Murray

Yesterday, 13:13

Whilst fully concurring with and supporting this stance by the NGO's is it not sadly a subjunctive wish?As what government now or in the future will grow a pair and take these socially - irresponsible land-grabbers on?

M Farrugia

Yesterday, 13:12

Telling both political parties to agree to remove Armier Squatters is something which for sure the political parties ill not agree on. At Armier there is a lot of votes for both political parties and for sure the votes are more important than the environment they preach in favour of.

Mariano Camilleri

Yesterday, 12:58

guys you will see what happens if it will be demolished when some business man will do something else there legally and you can do jack all to change it and wished it has been kept like this

city busuttil

Yesterday, 12:32

This Armier beach is one of the most beautiful parts of Malta and is lost to us if the situation remains as it is because the squatters behave as though it is private land, and it is the Authorities who have allowed this.
What has the Labour Party got to say about this? I demand to know. When I was walking through Bahar-ic-caghaq time ago, I was hissed and booed as though I was trespassing on this public land, such is the way they usurp the land. What has the LP promised to do?

Mr Steve Cassar

Yesterday, 12:20

Ma tarax jitilfu l-voti! Dawk importanti bhal tal-kaccaturi!
Ma tafux li l-politikanti maltin huma prigunieri ta nies bhal dawn u kaccaturi minhabba l-voti?
Issa iktar u iktar li aktarx gejja l-elezzjoni!

Ian Sullivan

Yesterday, 11:53

Lets hope the issue will be taken seriously and action taken to clean this place up. Bulldoze the whole lot of these ILLEGAL buildings...

C Cassar

Yesterday, 11:52

Surely the majority of Maltese (and EU) citizens are being discriminated against by not being able to access and enjoy public land? What has the EU to say about this?

George Debono

Yesterday, 11:25

Most of these people vote Labour anyway. Maybe these comments can be addressed to the MLP? Whoever is in Government cant afford to touch them, UNLESS both parties agree together that they must go. But who will do that now ? A pipe dream if ever there was one

Alan Vassallo

Yesterday, 11:16

jahasra kieku jkunu bungalows mibnijin sbieh jamlu atmosfera sabiha.... imma jekk huma kmamar mibnijin bit-tilqid ikerrhu l-ambjent qedin.. soluzjoni= bulldoze them down

Carmel Cilia

Yesterday, 11:25

Mr. Vassallo huwa anke fejn kien hemm area ta bungalows li taghxqek (qieghed nirreferi ghal Santa Marija Estate) il mepa ghamlet jungla tal concrete ahseb u ara kemm tista taghfdha kef qeghdin tghidu intkom. U Ohra jien ma nafx biex u fejn gabret gieha il-Mepa. Mela anke NGO lesti li jghawgu il-verita tal fatti jew. Mela insewwa il-Bicca ta dak ir-ras kbira fil P.N. li harbat il-Bahrija. Veru tal-Biki dan il-pajjiz.

Joseph Cauchi Senior

Yesterday, 11:13

I fully support the stand taken by these environmental NGOs to eradicate all the illegal buildings and structures not only in Armier Bay, but also all over the entire islands of Malta and Gozo.

The political parties should unite on this stand and make it a pledge in their political manifestos that such illegalities will not be tolerated any longer and the rule of law should always be obeyed.

It is time to take a stand and not for political parties to be held at ransom just for a few electoral votes!

All Maltese of good-will will be eternally grateful to these NGOs for their continuous and up-hill struggles against all odds.

Well done to all these NGOs for their courage and determination.

Thank you.

JC.

Carmelo Aquilina

Yesterday, 10:43

hear hear - let no political party sanction illegalities for the sake of a few more votes !

Rabat Lunzjata Wied ir-Rum

2012-01-08T22:18:00.001+01:00

Today's walk, in excellent weather, was attended by around 45 ramblers.

Walk leaders: Elaine, Nancy and Pat.

Some photos below.

One of the leaders at Lunzjata chapel.

A wayside memorial

Cave

Cave Entrance

Wied ir-Rum

Il-Qaws

Wied Liemu

Wied ir-Rum

Armier sub-station application refused

2012-01-06T15:48:00.001+01:00

The Times online
Friday, January 6, 2012, 12:30

Armier sub-station application refused

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority unanimously refused Enemalta’s application for a sub-station in Armier, saying there was no justification for the structure in an outside development zone.

The Environment Planning Commission refused the application which was recommended for refusal, saying that other sites, including buildings or areas within scheme could have been chosen for the sub-station.

During the meeting, for which around 50 boathouse residents were present, the board heard Enemalta’s architect explain that the sub-station was needed because the area suffered from low voltage.

The architect said that the closest sub-station was around 1,500 metres away, more than five times the recommended distance. He pointed out that there were residences, farms and tourist complexes in the area and that the area suffered from a low voltage in summer.

The case officer’s report was more concerned about the boat houses. But the application for the sub-station did not mean that the number of boathouses would increase. Many had electricity metres which had been granted legally.

There were aerials belonging to Go and Melita and the wind mast belonging to the Resources Ministry.

Sandra Magro, who headed the board, asked the architect several times to identify the businesses and developments within a 300-metre radius which required a sub-station.

Without actually identifying these structures on the map, the architect said that the corporation had a duty to provide safe and adequate electricity to all.

Tarcisio Barbara, representing Armier Developments, said that the boathouse owners had been promised by several governments that they would not lose their property. Hundreds, he said, had legal electricity metres.

However, the low voltage in summer was causing a number of electrical problems which damaged the owners’ appliances and someone had to take responsibility.

He pointed out that the environmental groups were making the application out to be one for boathouses and not for a substation. He added that he did not expect them to come out so strongly against this sub-station.

He referred to the Prime Minister’s letter reassuring the boat owners that measures would be taken to safeguard their property and pointed out that the boathouses were included in the Marfa action plan.

Mrs Magro, who is also the Mepa board’s deputy chairman, pointed out that the Marfa Action Plan had still not been approved, the area was still outside scheme and, therefore, the commission had to take a decision on the present planning policies in the area.

Mellieha mayor Robert Cutajar, speaking on behalf of the council said it was against any illegalities of any type but pointed out that there were farmers and business communities that needed electricity who should not suffer because of illegalities.

Alex Vella, president of the Ramblers Association, one of the NGOs protesting against the application, pointed out that the low electricity supply in summer was caused by boathouse owners who owned an electricity metre from which they also fed their neighbours.

He said that when he had built a hotel years ago, he had been requested to provide the space within the property for the sub-station. He argued that the same should be done for any businesses or tourist complexes that needed the sub-station.

31 Comments

Today, 14:26

For now!

(jb)

john gauci

Today, 14:24

Your photo is very "loyal" to the term BOAT HOUSES. Can we now have photos of residencies instead? I would like to see boats being put in these "BOAT HOUSES". Boat house on built illegaly and and public property and used as residences. LOL.

Anthony A. Mifsud

Today, 14:20

We need a pair of strong hands to knock these ileaga dwelings, only time will tell who could knock this proble down, may be the New Minister Azzopardi, but he need to be re elected and need the votes
ta dahq...

Peter Murray

Today, 14:19

Someone has to take responsibility?How ironically rich of Tracisio Barbara to cite such a profound accusation as what about the reponsibilities of the illegal dwellers in this unsanctiond and unapproved sqattters site?Could someone define the meaning of a "boathouse" please?

marco caruana

Today, 14:19

Illum harget l ahbar li Jason Azzopardi ha jilhaq ministru !
kif jilhaq bye bye Armier boathouses ...DIK ILLEGALITA KBIRA !

Mark Vassallo

Today, 14:14

Please use correct spelling of Electriciry Meter.
Meter (US & UK) is a device for measuring and should not to be confused with metre (UK) and meter(US) which is a unit of measure.
Two different words which have the same spelling in the US but different spelling in the UK.

Ray Camilleri

Today, 14:12

WHERE these boathouses built legally? With What right does any government endorse that persons who squatted and constructed on government land become owners of pilfered land.

Why should people who broke the law (whenever) or whoever, gain from such an illegality be it them or their descendants and have their property safeguarded. Can I go take a field and have it safeguarded just because I decided to occupy it?

At last, some sense from MEPA.

Joseph Sammut

Today, 14:11

If the legal structures are suffering from voltage drop during summer, then cut off the illegals so as to maintain your obligations towards the legals.

Mr Chris Xuereb

Today, 14:00

Fantastic, now bulldoze the lot & send them the bill.

Marc Cassar

Today, 13:56

I am sorry that you all have missed the point here. Enemalta is obliged to give a stable service, which is fine. the stubmling block here is the word "Boathouse".
ALL online dictionaries define the word Boathouse as "building for storing a boat or boats". By my calculations, all the electricity that is required to "store a boat" is a few amps to run a couple of plugs and possibly a light or two.
I think that that sub-station can be built, as long as Enemalta only gives each unit the power needed for a boat. - ACs, Satillite systems, fully equipped kitchens, chest freezers & fridges are all things that are not required to store a boat.

this way all aparties should be happy - enamalta meets its commitments, boathouses have a stable minimal power for Boat keeping" and so on.

LOL

James Dimech

Today, 13:51

The substation is aimed at business at tourist facilities jahasra. But Tarcisio and his motley crew were there in full force.

Well done for throwing out this request

C Mallia

Today, 13:48

Let sense prevail and let both political parties agree for once on not making political mileage out of this issue. Many law-abiding citizens will be grateful. Join forces and make a commitment to the electorate and show us all that there is no place for illegalities.

Alan Deidun

Today, 13:42

'He added that he did not expect them to come out so strongly against this sub-station'

Pull the other one Mr. Tarcisio Barbara - after usurping prime public land for so long, do you really expect NGO's not to protest? If I were you, I would not complain that much since:

(i) you have usurped such a prime place for so long for free;
(ii) you still have 12months+ to conclude backdoor agreements with the PN and the PL, none of which incidentally have declared their position re your illegal squatting.

The architect said that the nearest substation is 1500 metres, more than 5times the average distance - hello, we are speaking of l-Ahrax here, which is not your average urban or residential area - do you expect, for instance, to have electricity substations within national parks or on mountains or any other remote area?

There is only one way to take the bull by its horns - demolish the entire post-1992 lot and fine the 'occupiers' who have no legal claim to the area in question

Alfred Falzon

Today, 13:38

The low voltage problem in the armier area would be solved if the illegally built, so called 'boat houses,' would have their electricity supply cut off so that neither Enemalta nor any other entity/parastatal body would be sanctioning the illegal structures. Government should be consistent in what it says and does. Other illegally built structures were removed in other areas after an enforcement order was issued and due time was given the owners to vacate the premises. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

Clive Bonnici

Today, 13:26

'Tarcisio Barbara said that the boathouse owners had been promised by several governments that they would not lose their property' - I have two problems with that statement...
1. Boathouses owners
2. Not lose their property

Mr, Tarcisio Barbara, this is not your property and you are an owner of public land. You and all who stole the land should vacate the site so it will be demolished and returned to the public where it belongs. Another thing...I find it shameful even for mepa to allow a representative from the boathouses. This is illegal... by involving them in the process is nothing more that encouraging other people to do the same.

A letter issued by the Prime Minster… this is hilarious. Therefore we are saying that the Prime minister sent a letter to the boathouses 'owners' that their property will be safeguarded. No comment about that.... I wonder what the Labour party is doing... I guess the opposition is on leave!!!

Joanne Vella

Today, 13:54

Good comment! WHERE IS THE OPPOSITION IN THIS REGARDS???

Mr Ernest Vella

Today, 13:24

Dawn il-boat houses jiftakru lil Miju Mekkek & Friends!!!

S. Camilleri

Today, 13:23

I can't believe the nerve of these people. They actually talk about the "boathouses" as THEIR property!!! Imagine that. Might as well steal a car and call it MY CAR.

What's the difference??

Mr Ernest Vella

Today, 13:22

Jekk hemm vultagg baxx...jitnehhew il-bini illegali...la huma llegali wiehed u mija ma jaghmulx differenza...u jekk il-PL mhux opportunist politiku...ikun vuci wahda mal-gvern kontra din l-illegalita

Joanne Vella

Today, 13:16

"He referred to the Prime Minister’s letter reassuring the boat owners that measures would be taken to safeguard their property and pointed out that the boathouses were included in the Marfa action plan."

I wonder if this letter was sent prior election just like the one of the hunters :s Only in Malta. Hope that one day we have some competence in this country.

Joseph M Scicluna

Today, 13:15

He referred to the Prime Minister’s letter reassuring the boat owners that measures would be taken to safeguard their property..... THEIR PROPERTY? These are only squatters and their ILLEGAL so-called boat-houses should be eliminated from the area. If former governments awarded them water and electricity, that was only an illegal action. Jew trid tkun pastas biex taqqwista?

j brincat

Mr david debattista

Today, 13:05

Good news . Well Done !

Carmel Grima

Today, 12:59

Issa jmiss li nedukaw lil residenti/squatters li mhux sew dak li qed jaghamlu, qed jiehdu u jokkupaw art mhix taghahom; hekk wehidhom jirrejalizzaw x'suppost jaghamlu.

Joe Scerri

Today, 12:58

If the political parties have the decency to take a common stand and point a middle finger to those who are breaking the law they will no longer be able to be held hostage by their votes.
Then bulldoze this eyesore.

R ferriggi

Today, 12:55

LETS SEE,,,,,, THE LEGAL PLACES WILL SUFFER TOGETHER WITH THE ILLEGAL ONES.

IS THIS A SOLUTION?!?!?!?!

WELCOME TO MALTA...... AND THE WEIRDNESS THAT FOLLOWS.

Toni Cardona

Today, 12:42

Thanks MEPA for managing to give us an Easter so close to Christmas.

Joseph Calleja

Today, 12:41

What a beautiful picture of this Shanty Town by the beach. Is MEPA finally building up some guts and common sense? Maybe there is hope for MEPA after all.

Dennis Zammit

Today, 12:35

WELL DONE.

Ian Sullivan

Today, 12:34

Great News..... now lets see this area cleared from all the illegal structures

Joseph Calleja

Today, 12:57

That will only happen in your dreams. Those illegal boathouses are there to stay and so is the rest of the illegal boathouses all over Malta and Gozo. Unfortunately MEPA cannot fight the might of the government.

J Stafrace

Today, 13:12

I concur. Same measures with everyone.

MEPA to decide Friday on substation for Armier 'boathouses'

2012-01-04T21:39:00.002+01:00

Wednesday, January 4, 2012, 12:29

MEPA to decide Friday on substation for Armier 'boathouses'

Environment NGOs have, yet again, voiced their strong opposition to Mepa granting permission to Enemalta to set up an electricity substation serving the 'squatters' village' in Armier.

The decision is due to be taken by Mepa this Friday.

"Common sense instinctively guided the Case Officer to recommend an outright refusal of this application. Apparently the Case Officer has a lot more sense than Enemalta, which should never have submitted this application in the first place," the NGOs said.

They said the squatters are illegally occupying approximately 67,000 sq mt of prime seafront ODZ real estate at Armier bay.

"Enemalta, in their wisdom, have already supplied these 800 beach rooms with electricity, presumably without asking for a compliance certificate from Mepa, as they normally do for ordinary members of the public. Now Enemalta wants to strengthen the electricity supply, so that these squatters will be better served.

"For a member of the European Union that prides itself on its principles of democracy and justice to allow prime land to be illegally seized, and subsequently have this occupation supported by a government entity, is an insult to every tax-paying citizen of these over-exploited islands."

The NGOs - Ramblers Association of Malta, Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Din L-Art Helwa, Malta Organic and Agriculture Movement, Nature Trust Malta, Friends of the Earth Malta and Birdlife Malta urged Mepa to do what is reasonable, right and morally just, and 'throw out this application'.

"Mepa has recently been acting a little more responsibly in withholding permits to applicants who are clearly and blatantly abusing the system. An approval of this application would send out a totally different signal – that of rewarding illegality, and would go down in history as one of the most irresponsible, illegal and unjust precedents that MEPA has ever set."

20 Comments

Today, 20:28

Carmel Lino Vella Clark

MEPA not only MUST refuse Enemalta application to built a more powerful substation, but should order the removal of all illegal boathouses and other illegal constructions which were built on public land. If MEPA sanction this request, then I will be the first to go and built a dwelling for myself since it seems that public land is up for grab for FREE!!!
Lino Vella Clark, Msida.

Paul Camilleri

Today, 18:57

Boathouses at Armier are occupying government owned land, illegaly and to make matters worse, years ago, Enemalta and Water Services Corporation had provided these illegal structures with water and electricity supply. Nowadays, before providing such services, the respective Corporations request a compliance certificate and MEPA building permits in the first instance, otherwise no supply is granted. If MEPA grants permission to build such substation, it would be sanctioning an illegality, thus adopting a two weights and two measures policy with law abiding citizens and illegal boathouse owners

Peter Murray

Today, 18:47

Nothing to decide really if accountability ,sensibiility and reasoning are considerations but ,upon reflection and after much experience, it will probably be approved .How about MEPA determining and establishing a true definition of a boathouse whilst we are at it-along with a penthouse -to completely eschew probity and bring laughter back into our lives?

Joe Vella

Today, 15:56

My take is that Mr Galdes will vote for refusal, so that the PL can make a political game out of it. Doing so it will not be Joseph, cause then the squatters at Armies will be upset with him. He will let others in the Party and the PL media to do the dirty work. Joseph and the Pl should be reminded that the boat houses at Armier where build during the PL administration, and electricity was provided to them by PL administrations. One should wonder why?

city busuttil

Today, 15:49

Is it legal to squat or not? If not, Enemalta, a government entity, would be aiding and abetting law-breakers. Simples. I just hope I would get the same soft treatment when it's my turn.

Ms.D. Galea

Today, 15:47

Why should the squatters village built on public land be sanctioned when sanctioning is denied to regular appartments that were built immediately before the MEPA took over, because they form an integral part of several whole blocks that were built by the original developer more then two decades ago with some internal unauthorized changes (that are impossible to rectify now)?

Present owners of such appartments have found to their horror that their investment is has now been rendered worthless because banks nowadays refuse to give out loans to prospective buyers of such appartments since it is physically and financially next to impossible to comply with recently enacted building regulations.

Owners of such properties ARE VOTERS TOO Messers politicians from BOTH political parties.

J Stafrace

Today, 15:30

Unbelievable - spending public money to provide electricity to persons occupying land illegally. Simply unbelievable, but on the other hand one expects anything from MEPA.

R ferriggi

Today, 15:15

i do not have a problem if the boathouses are removed, as long as all illegal structures are removed.

we cannot be strong with the weak and weak with the strong.

James Tyrrell

Today, 14:27

Unless Malta has suddenly become a third world country there is no decision to be made here. This land is being occupied illegally so how can any Government authority sanction support for that illegality by authorising the construction of a substation to supply them with electricity? This must not be allowed to happen and if it does it should be fought at EU level. Once the decision has been taken not to allow this substation to be built the people occupying the site should be given 3 months to get their stuff removed and then the bulldozers should move in and flatten it.

Jay Oatmon

Today, 16:22

Malta is a third world country, it does what is easy not what is needed, and the politicians are spineless in dealing with lawbreakers in Malta.

Pamela Hansen

Today, 13:35

This country is going to the dogs. Mepa should not even have considered this application.
If it concedes to the demand it will be making illegality legal. http://pamelahansen.blogspot .com

Alan Xuereb

Today, 14:36

It's like setting up a smoking area for joints.

Jay Oatmon

Today, 13:23

No power to the squatters - clear them all out to make Armier a scenic place for all the public - it is that simple.
The PN needs to do this before the next election - which it will probably lose because of the judicial fiasco's and courts sentencing failures, many scandals MEPA, ADT, VAT etc.

M Vella***

Today, 13:01

' Enemalta to set up an electricity substation serving the 'squatters' village' in Armier.'LOL Have we become a worse state than Zimbabwe,Haqqkon Gieh iz-Zarbuna.What is wrong with this country ?

joe briffa

Today, 12:52

There is nothing to decide to be honest ....simply REMOVE,nobody or everybody has the right to occupy land with permits,and those in Mellieha too,and all those along our coastline,inlcuding all construction in the country side (or whats left of it) REMOVE THE MESS

Joe Scerri

Today, 12:48

It all boils down to votes at the end of the day. 800 beach rooms. 800 families. A couple of thousand votes. It's simple really.

Mario Muscat

Today, 19:08

While I agree with you to a certain extent, it doesn't mean that all these people vote to the same party.

M Farrugia

Today, 12:48

What is the labour party opinion about this? Is Rodrick galdes going to vote against this substation as he usually do in most of the cases. We will be pleased to learn whether the L.P. ingovenment will demolish these illegal buildings or else normalise them as a previous L.P. administrations did in the past. Hope to receive an answer now and not before the election.

Philip Hili

Today, 13:29

@ M Farrugia

It is very interesting to know how Rodrick Galdes, a serving MP and a MEPA employee how is going to cast his vote in this matter. Is he after some votes, now that the election is nearing? Or is he going to vote against MEPA proposal as he always did in order to be opposing what MEPA proposes and this go against the squatters? Which side Roderick Galdes is going to side, the squatters' side or the MEPA side????

Siding with MEPA and against the squqtters I think it will be the first time that Roderick Galdes sides with his employer and against his parliamenty seat. Whereas if he sides the squatters, he will be ignoring the peoples' wish in order to accommodate people who occupied public land without any title.

Mr Duncan Scerri

Today, 13:42

What about the almost 25 years of PN failure to do anything, except promise to regularise the boathouses? Would you like that answer before the election? Hang on, you had it last election and the PN sided with the squatters. Twit.

Intriguing public land issues

2012-01-03T23:28:00.003+01:00

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 , by Alex Vella

Intriguing public land issues

Ġnien Busewdien: The annual rate of €1,510 is prohibitive for agricultural use but is peanuts for speculative purposes in ODZ.

The Ramblers’ Association receives frequent calls and letters from non- members about land issues. We always do our best to follow up.

A recent note concerned an idividual who likes roaming around on the Wardija ridge. Some time ago he was surprised to discover “No Entry” signs on reaching the hilltop used by the British as a cannon battery during the war. Thinking that the signs were abusively placed he proceeded on his ramble since it was his customary route, only to be accosted by one of three persons lingering there. He was told that it was private land, their land, all of seven tumoli (approximately two acres).

He wrote to us and in turn we wrote to the Lands Department asking whether the land in question was government land. We received an affirmative answer: government property given out some years back on “agricultural lease” – a type of land-lease (in Maltese qbiela), generally for agricultural purposes, that is annually renewed unless stopped by notification in advance.

We visited the place peculiarly named Il-Ħotba ta’ Gaba – a rock outcrop commanding such high ground over the bay of St Paul’s that no wonder the British set up a battery of powerful cannon there in defence of the harbour. The panorama is breathtaking with a wide-sweeping horizon that takes in Selmun, Xemxija, Mistra, St Paul’s Islands, Qawra, Magħtab, Madliena, Għargħur, Naxxar, Mosta and Mdina, with the fertile slopes from corresponding ridges in the foreground and the blue Mediterranean at the back.

The concrete platforms of the British cannons are still very evident on the otherwise very barren terrain that sparsely supports maquis. This baffled us: how come the land was leased for agricultural purposes when there was not one square inch of arable land? Does this signify that the department has no idea of the nature of the land it leases out? Does no department officer visit a site before it is leased out? Unbelievable.

Agriculture is conspicuous by its absence. There is, however, unmistakeable evidence of hunting and trapping: hides, spent cartridges and steel fixtures in the rock. Certainly no farmer was earning a living from these two acres! Seeing is believing and one can only believe if one visits the place.

We asked for a meeting with the Department of Lands and were cordially received. It was a session that gave us the first insight into the conventional methods of management of government or public land, which leave much to be desired.

We asked for a copy of the contract but were politely told that such contracts were not accessible for public viewing. Interesting indeed! So officials from the Lands Department can lease out government (read public) property without the owner (read public) having the right to know the terms and conditions! This raises various questions: Does government land belong or not to the people? Is it socially just that for the meagre sum of less than €100 annually such a vast tract of historical and scenic land is bestowed upon one person while the people are deprived from enjoying it?

Another land issue was brought to our attention by the Wardija residents and farmers. It concerned a tender issued by the Lands Department for a site in Ġnien Busewdien. The tender called for offers for a three-tumoli field, for a period of 50 years: lowest acceptable offer €1,500 annually. The tender heading clearly said that the field was to be used “solely for agricultural purposes”. The price sounded oddly expensive so we decided to probe deeper. We felt we had to visit the place.

To our surprise we found that the topsoil was rocky and sparse, not economically feasible for agricultural usage at that rate. Also a large part of the land was garigue and bare rock. But, the field bordered on one side a new three-storey construction on the very edge of the cliff overlooking Wied Qannota, in an outside development zone area. This fact duly stirred the residents because the new construction was out of the ordinary, to say the least. They felt that since the developer succeeded somehow to build in ODZ they could only suspect the worst: the spread of more construction where it should not occur.

We were in full agreement and to stress home the point asked the Audit Office of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to carry out an investigation.

Back to the tender: The tender was won by the one and only offer for €1,510. And it came from the same tenant who had held the same field on agricultural lease (qbiela) for many years before. Why would the same tenant opt for a 50-year lease at such a price rather than carry on with the agricultural lease which did not exceed €100 annually? We found the answer in the terms of the eventual contract, published in the tender. Condition 4 gave the winner practically a free hand of what he could do with the land! The rate of €1,510 is prohibitive for agricultural use but is peanuts for speculative purposes.

At this point we asked for a meeting with Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi who wisely called the presence of the respective heads from the Lands Department. The two issues above were raised together with others, about which more next time.

On the issue of Il-Ħotba ta’ Gaba we asked the department to stop the lease forthwith, as it has every right to do, since the present tenant was not earning his living from the land and neither could agricultural use be made of it. Ramblers even offered to take over the land to see to the upkeep of its natural and historical aspects and to render it accessible and amenable to the public.

To date, 15 weeks after our first letter and two subsequent reminders, there is still no answer from the Lands top people. The no entry signs at the Ħotba have been removed but we have no idea why.

On the other issue of Ġnien Busewdien we asked that the tender be withdrawn and an investigation be carried out, for the reason that we had serious doubts about the contract conditions and the way the tender was worded.

The heads of the Lands Department explained it was a standard contract – in our opinion a surprisingly naïve admission. The Parliamentary Secretary understood our surprised remarks and opined that the contract conditions should be reviewed and amended. The department is in duty bound to maximise revenue from public land, and that we understand; but surely not at the cost of paving the way for land speculation.

There are other land issues that we hope to put forward in future for the scrutiny of readers. Our purpose behind this is solely to raise awareness of conventional practices that the Lands Department has inherited.

Overwhelmed as the department undoubtedly is by the intricate nature of land ownership and its management, the intention of the Ramblers’ Association is to point out objectively any weaknesses in the system that may be taken advantage of by the crafty self-seeker as well as the more unscrupulous opportunist. It is common good that we seek to champion.

Mr Vella is president of the Ramblers’ Association of Malta.

7 Comments

Keith Aquilina

Today, 17:25

thumbs up to the ramblers' association!

-----------------

Gianfrancesco Buttigieg

Today, 12:12

Grazzi tax-xogħol siewi li qed tagħmlu għal pajjiżna. Kieku mhux għal nies bħalek (u membri tal-għaqda tiegħek), ftit li xejn jifdal fejn tmur passiġġata fil-kampanja f'Malta.

Thank you and stay vigilant.

-------------

M Vella***

Today, 11:49

This is Malta the land of free to all,Jungle law,cowboy Constitution and mickey mouse government.

------------

Francis Sammut

Today, 11:31

It is absolutely disgusting that in this day and age we, the public at large, aren't being properly informed on that which is public land and that which is private. Like other democratic and civilized countries, we need to have the tools (detailed maps of areas, etc.) defining clearly that which belongs to the public at large and that which is private, otherwise confusion and worse, abuse is going to take the upper hand and we can wave goodbye to ecotourism - and ramblers can forget their usual strolls in what's left of our beautiful countryside.
We need, nay, we demand action be taken, now!

--------------

Mr William Gatt

Today, 11:18

This is very disturbing, to say the least. If this article appeared in some other free nation newspaper it would cause an earthquake. Answers will be sought for the multitude of questions generated. Corrective action taken, names to be shamed clearly identified. But not in Malta. The land easily described as one where accountability and enforcement are no longer part of our vocabulary. The land where might is right, the law is strong with the weak and a country with a tendency to find part-time amateurs influencing if not directing professional organisations.

--------------

Peter Murray

Today, 11:00

Further to my comments I have also experienced the igominy of being totally ignored by the Lands Department top brass when writing and asking for a response.However,we must be too critical of this irresponsible and discourteous ommission as such a non-response practice is endemic throughout governmental entities and that this disgraceful fact along with the other very salient issues and disquieting points raised in this correpondence should also be addresed accountably ,transparently and demonstrably by the Minister responsible.

---------------

Peter Murray

Today, 10:51

Excellent awareness advice Mr.Vella as I have long registered similar concerns.It appears that one may put up signage indicating that any stretch of a land area is private land and entry is then not permitted without any emphasis on the "owner" or "leasee" of such land to provide proof that it indeed private land and have at their disposal irrefuable proof of this claim.Also a lot of this "private" land is never fenced off or walled or similar to advise potential trepassers of their indiscretion which I consider incredulous irf such land is actually owned or paid for by private individuals.It appears that we sunscribe to the Wild West's philosophy on land appropriation and merely put up a sign declaring and indicating that a person has claimed a section of land as their own!

‘Boathouses must not get power supply’

2011-12-09T13:19:00.001+01:00

The Times
Friday, December 9, 2011

‘Boathouses must not get power supply’

The sprawl of boathouses at Armier seen in the background

Seven environmental groups are appealing to the planning authority to refuse a request to build an Enemalta substation to provide electricity to the illegal Armier boathouses.

Approving this application “will go down in the annals of our history as one of the most irresponsible, illegal and unjust precedents the planning authority has ever set,” the groups said in a statement.

Ramblers Association of Malta, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Malta Organic and Agriculture Movement, Nature Trust Malta, Friends of the Earth and BirdLife are “strongly urging” the planning authority board to refuse the application, in line with the case officer’s recommendation. The request comes up for decision next month. The substation, for which an application was filed by Enemalta in 2007, would strengthen the power supply to the estimated 800 illegal boathouses built in the protected ecological area of Armier, the groups said.

“The existing squatters have, in the past, convinced Enemalta to supply electricity to their habitations. This was not enough – they also convinced Enemalta to apply for a new substation,” they argued.

The case officer, “rightly so”, recommended the development for refusal, as illegal development in the area would benefit from it.

The seven groups quoted the case officer report which said: “There is no reason, from a planning point of view, as to why the substation should be permitted, considering how the proposed structure is aimed at providing services to beach rooms that are used as illegal holiday homes proposed to be demolished through the structure plan policies.

“Approving this application will simply encourage more building abuse that the planning authority claims it is trying to stamp out,” the groups said.

-----------------

10 Comments

Joseph J Camilleri

Yesterday, 20:12

Just tear the whole ghetto down and bring the area to its pristine condition. These are nothing but squatters on government property which everyone should enjoy in its natural habitat. To apply for my water and electricity meter for my flat I had to produce all relevant permits. I hope these won't be traded for votes.

charlo' sammut

Yesterday, 19:42

qares l-gheneb jajd il lupu !!!!!!

charles tabone

Yesterday, 17:32

If Armier SO-CALLED BOAT HOUSES are built on an illegal encroachment ENEMALTA should desisit from supplying power. I sincerely hope ENEMALTA sticks to rules of proper procedure and MEPA takes the necessary action.

charles tabone

Yesterday, 17:27

Carmel camilleri

Yesterday, 15:49

Complying to the request of these illegal occupiers of public land would mean legalizing their their occupation.
It is more desired that the land should be returned to the original owners by razing these illegal building to the ground. This will also give the right signal to future occupiers.

James Tyrrell

Yesterday, 13:23

If this request is granted it will happen for one reason and one reason only and that is to buy votes. To even consider it is stupid. What should be happening is that these 800 illegal structures should be razed to the ground.

Peter Bonello

Yesterday, 10:54

I am sorry but in order for my to apply for Electricity and Water supply I had to provide MEPA permit and conformity certificate to show that I had built my home in accordance to my permit and that it is safe. How come these people are allowed to apply for electricity for their illegally built boat houses, which surely have no Mepa permit or even less the conformity certificate. Something does not sound right here!!!

Charles Micallef

Yesterday, 10:19

The same old argument, why does a structure that is built illegally on public land is given utilities supply if not to give these illegally built residences more grounds to keep occupying private land?

Joseph Calleja

Yesterday, 15:08

Because that is how politicians get their votes. The government is allowed to brake the law anytime and anywhere. Who is going to stop them? Only in Malta.

Neville Roberts

Yesterday, 10:03

Ah well, just another "ONLY IN MALTA" making the country another JOKE !!

NGOs insist Mepa should turn down substation application to serve boathouses

2011-12-07T23:24:00.000+01:00

Times of Malta
Wednesday, December 7, 2011, 15:41

NGOs insist Mepa should turn down substation application to serve boathouses

The 'boathouses' at Armier.

Seven environmental NGOs insisted today that the Mepa Board must turn down an application by Enemalta to build an electricity sub-station in Marfa - serving people who built 'boathouses' without permits.

The board is due to decide on the application on January 6.

The NGOs are the Ramblers Association of Malta, Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Din L-Art Helwa, Malta Organic and Agriculture Movement, Nature Trust Malta, Friends of the Earth Malta and Birdlife Malta.

"Approving such an application would simply encourage more of the building abuse that Mepa claims it is trying to stamp out. As such, an approval of this application will go down in the annals of our history as one of the most irresponsible, illegal and unjust precedents that MEPA has ever set," the NGOs said.

"For a member of the European Union that prides itself on its sense of democracy and justice to allow prime land to be illegally seized, and subsequently have this occupation blessed by a government desperate for votes on the eve of not one but two elections, is a betrayal of every tax-paying citizen on these Islands," the NGOs said.

They said the area of 67,000 sq mt of land at Armier bay is illegally occupied by 800 illegal structures, "but if the squatters' political arm-twisting is successful, this will increase tremendously."

The NGOs explained that an agreement signed with the Nationalist government on the eve of the 2003 election could extend the existing 67,000 square meters to around 231,000 square meters or 230 tumuli of public land, against an annual rent of €350,000. The pledge was renewed by the leader of the Nationalist Party just before the 2008 elections when he committed himself to “consult with Mepa” on the pending applications. The squatters’ lobby has also made back-room agreements with the LP just before the last two national elections, the NGOs said.

In 2004, Armier Developments, the squatters’ company, submitted applications proposing the development of 1,589 rooms, five playgrounds and a bowls pitch, a minimarket, three restaurants, a two-storey garage, three community centres and a clinic in an area spanning Ramlet il-Qortin, Ta’ Macca u l-Armier, the Barriera tal-Ahrax quarry, Little Armier and the Torri l-Abjad zone.

Parts of these areas are supposedly protected as Areas of Ecological Importance (Habitat Directive), Special Protection Area (Birds Directive), Area of Ecological Importance/Site of Scientific Importance and Special Area of Conservation - International Importance.

"The existing squatters have in the past convinced Enemalta to supply electricity to their habitations. This was not enough – they have also convinced Enemalta to apply for a new substation in order to strengthen the supply to their 'boathouses', the NGOs said.

The Mepa case officer has recommended refusal by the Mepa board on the basis that this substation would benefit illegal development in the area.

In his report he said: "there is no reason, from a planning point of view, as to why the substation should be permitted, considering how the proposed structure is aimed at providing services to beach rooms that are used as illegal holiday homes proposed to be demolished through the Structure Plan policies".

The Planning Directorate is therefore advising the MEPA board to turn down this application.

----------------------
43 Comments

Tony Zammit

Dec 8th, 06:14

When I applied for my Electrical meter I needed the home building permit.
“Was told”, NO building permit No Electrical, water meter.
So how did these people get this electric meter?
THIS IS PURE DISCRIMINATIOM…….
One way to get them out off there is by bulldoze them out. But it takes a backbone like DR Austin Gatt to do a job like this..

joseph azzopardi

Dec 8th, 05:12

No one here refered to the concern of local farmers who use eletricity to irrigate their fields. Mainly In summer these people suffer drastic consequences due to power shortage.

The problem of boathouses is there but one have to bear in mind that these people were promised by the present government that they will stay.

James McIntosh

Dec 8th, 13:02

What a Government gives out , a government can take away. This has happened all over the world and locally since Governments were formed.
It seems that in Malta the more acute the disregard of law the more reward there is for the same lawlessness.

Mark Cassar

Dec 8th, 04:52

Enemalta were convinced to submit the application by individuals of illegal development. Who is running Enemalta? MEPA should have thrown out this application when submitted, but somehow the application stayed and has gone to the board for approval. We are pandering to illegal activity and at every step we are letting things go on. It seems accountability and responsibility are two words which have fallen to the wayside once again.

Steve Sant

Dec 7th, 23:16

Well the elections are near thats approximately 3200 votes for them right.

Joe Grech

Dec 7th, 21:12

Shame on Mepa if it grants the application.
The government will do well to knock down all the illegal buildings at Armier and elsewhere. That's what real and proper administration means. Why should those who abused be rewarded? It's just not fair on the other law-abiding citizens. Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition please note. You will be judged by what you do on this issue.

mark johnson

Dec 7th, 20:41

Face it, Malta is a rancid rock and the damage has already been done. Now we are rearranging the deckchairs on the titanic.

I ask you this: what if you went and built a boathouse now today in the middle of the road in armier?

Albert Sciberras

Dec 7th, 20:19

How many of them have boat in them, as a boathouse is a place to keep a boat in, and items for fishing or related to the boat in it. Has anybody ever made any checks ??

Geoffrey Farrugia

Dec 7th, 20:10

at this point i am just going to build another floor on my present household without even applying for a MEPA permit or any other permit!!

Since it seems to be so ok for some to build houses on the seafront on public land..for these illegal structures to get sold at a profit and resold over an over again, to get extended and the abuse goes on and on with the blessing of one government after another....

this country is just incredible...if in power or in a strong lobby group...everything goes!

no one has the guts to just give a week warning and bulldoze all these illegal developments down..once and for all...so since it is a free for all for them...it has to be a free for all for everyone else!

Joseph E Briffa

Dec 7th, 19:21

Under whose watch were the first settlers at Armier?

Joseph N. Attard

Dec 7th, 19:08

The Nationalist Party in government keeps forgetting that it stands to lose more votes than it reckons it will gain by failing to act to stamp out illegalities. There are thousands of outraged citizens out there whose feelings about the matter are strong enough to effect their vote.

Wilfred Camilleri

Dec 7th, 19:25

Don't pin this just on the PN. The PL is just as guilty! Outrage should be directed at both parties. It's only when the leaders of either or both parties state unequivocally that they will demolish all illegal buildings wherever they may be can voters make a decision which party to vote for.

M Farrugia

Dec 7th, 20:18

Wifred Camiller@ very well said. it is the responsibility of both political parties and not of the government only. Hope that Rodrick Galdes on this occaiosn will vote against the building of the substation as he did in many other cases.

Joseph Calleja

Dec 7th, 21:18

Don't blame the PN or PL entirely. These so called Boat Houses are there to stay and one of the reasons is that a lot of them are owned by politicians and or their families. If like everybody says, these boat houses are illegal, How come they are afforded all utilities, including water, electricity and sewer? Can anybody really say where the raw sewage from these and all other boat houses on the islands of Malta and Gozo end up? Somebody had mentioned that some of that raw sewage is ending up in the sea water where adults, children and tourists like to swim. I believe that Dwejra was one of these places? Too many votes involved. Does anybody care? Don't depend on our government, but maybe Astrid Vella can answer that question.

Joseph N. Attard

Dec 8th, 00:29

Mr. Camilleri, please do not misunderstand me. The whole rot, like many other rotten things in the 1970's and early eaighties, started under a Labour Party government. But the fact is that the PN has not reversed these glaring illegalities and injustices. Indeed, it is reported that the PN has promised certain things to these land robbers before both the 2003 and 2008 elections. As Mr.Farrugia says, it is the responsibility of both political parties. But even if the PL tries to make political mileage out of the whole thing, the PN should not follow suit. I still maintain that it stands to gain more than it will lose be such a courageous decision.

Joe Gatt

Yesterday, 09:12

Joseph Calleja

Dec 7th, 21:18
These so called Boat Houses are there to stay and one of the reasons is that a lot of them are owned by politicians and or their families.

Complaints alone, in Malta will acheive no results.
Name and shame these Individuals, at Election Time,

VOTE Them OUT.

It is up to the Honest Maltese to clean up the Mess.

John F. Galea

Dec 7th, 19:06

unbeliveable, undemoctratic, disgusting, ridiculous. illegal. But its true. C'est la vie.

Edgar Gatt

Dec 7th, 19:03

The only way forward to stop this rot is a joint statement by the two political parties that these boat houses should be demolished. No use pointing fingers at Mepa. No political party is ever going to take such a step on its own, so stop dreaming all of you.

Jean-Pierre Aquilina

Dec 7th, 19:01

As far as I am aware, Enemalta demands proof that all construction works have been carried out according to the development permit issued by MEPA before supplying the building with electricity. And now Enemalta wants to build a substation to supply electricity to the illegal shacks built without a permit on public land, and all with tax payers money.

M Farrugia

Dec 7th, 20:07

have you already forgotten that enemalta is just a puppet on a string.

Joseph Hollier

Dec 7th, 18:55

The elections are round the corner. They will do anything to gain power. If they have the interest of the country , they should reclaim this land for the general good.

alfred seguna

Dec 7th, 18:42

This is ridiculous.Spending our taxes money to support illegality.The mickey mouse Republic of Malta wasting time discussing to approve what they shouldn't even have let these things to arrive this far.They even are arrogant enough to supply plans how they want to embellish the area.BUT I think they are not stupid and the only ones to blame are those who promised them these things.Only these are responsible for this situation.These persons should buy land from their own pockets and give it free to these squatters.

Lesley Kreupl

Dec 7th, 18:02

I walked through Armier yesterday and can only say that it looked pretty third world to me. A real eyesore. To be fair it was relatively clean and tidy as it was deserted, but it is simply dreadful in summer with hundreds of people squatting there. I am not concerned about the water and electricity except for what it is going to cost the tax-payer, but could someone tell me what happens to the sewage? Is MEPA giving permission to encourage people to squat here and destroy the marine life in the area. Shame on you all sitting on the board!
I also wonder what the tourists staying in the Ramla Beach Hotel must think about their surroundings. What does the tourist authority and hotel owner say?
Mr. Walker, I think you and your staff need to start saying NO to GonziPN - this is not a case of votes, it is a case of destroying the environment!

M Farrugia

Dec 7th, 20:16

Mr. Kreupl, this is a very old story which started more than 35/40 years ago. I agree with you that the MEPA need to start saying NO to the present government not on this case only but on many other cases. I do not know whether you was in Malta when the Laboutr Patry legalised a number of caravan and rooms which were illegally set up at the top of Ghadira. At that time no one uttered a single word. When the Nationalist government in the 90's tried to remove some of the rooms at armier bay, he did ot find any co-opeation from anyone. This is a poltical story which both political parties in Malta have their thumb in it. If they really want to eradicate this illegality they must meet together and support each other. If this is not done then both parties will be defending their poltical interest not to loose vote. Hope that if this is approved the Labour Party will issue a statement as it happenes in many other cases to critise the MEPA board decision. We have to wait and see what is going to happen.

s. caruana

Dec 7th, 17:54

Mhux taghmlu sub-station, imma startjaw il-gaffef u ergaw gibu kullimkien catt u ghatu lic-cittadin onest dik l-art li tiswa miljuni ta' Euros lura lill-poplu. Tal-misthija bini illegali gol-belt mas-swar,bini illegali r-ramla taz-Zejtun, gol-Gnejna u mbierek Alla ic-cittadin onest irrid jaghdi mill-burokrazzija kollha biex jaghmel olterazzjono fuq tieqa!! Sur Prim Ministru Ghax inti li tiehu kollox f'idejk, ara ma tahsibx li l-elezzjoni li gejja se tigi ggudikat fuq il-kontijiet tad-dawl u l-ilma biss, ghal kull vot li se tipprova takwista minn ghand dawn in-nies hemm id-doppju x'jintilfu. U int Dr. Muscat ghidilna ukoll x'se taghmel b' dawn l-irhula ta' korruzzjoni mifruxa ma' Malta, ma jinteresawnix biss l-kontijiet li qed tghid se trahas imma li l-kontijiet issiru ma kulhadd .

Paul Camilleri

Dec 7th, 17:36

One of the reasons brought forward by the illegal boathouse owners for the sanctioning of their illegal dwellings was that their premises had water and electricity supplied by government corporations (Enemalta and Water Services), hence government had acknowledged their position.

If Enemalta and Mepa approve such request they would be giving these illegal boathouse owners more rights to sustain and enforce their position. After all a simple "boathouse" does not need a heavy supply of electricity !!!!!!

Mr Francis Isherwood

Dec 7th, 18:20

And what about all the illegal buildings in St Thomas Bay, Lambordi, some even have electrical supplies without a meter??? where is the enforcement officer, he is supposed to visit his 'area' at least two times per week, and two new buildings have been built since last Christmas, and one has been extended to rival South Folks

Collen Isherwood

Mario Grima

Dec 7th, 17:21

What? The Mepa Board should turn down an application by Enemalta to build an electricity sub-station in Marfa - serving people who built 'boathouses' without permits. Are you kidding? And what about the electoral votes it may loose if such a decision is taken?

Anyone wants to bet on the outcome of this application?

Paul Caruana

Dec 7th, 17:16

Amazing, simply amazing....well done for the NGOs for pointing out the absurdity of this situation!

D. Xerri

Dec 7th, 17:15

What a terrible disgusting site of a whole illegal village of hundreds of structures STOLEN from the maltese to accomodate those who built illegally or bought illegal structures with the GonziPN`s Blessing at Mtarfa and Armier ! Its Clear that GonziPN has been weak for 23 years to act legally against those occupying these structures since all that GonziPN sees is Just VOTES to stay glued to those comfy chairs in Government ! After winning an election we usually see some theatrical farse of a few people being removed from illegal structures taken for entire years but then Nothing is Done against a whole community occupying thousands of square metres summer after summer for their amusement illegally taking that land away from every other maltese citizen who has the right to enjoy it too !

Joe Vella

Dec 7th, 18:41

D.Xerri the problem is that the PN is always left to CLEAN-UP IL-HNIZIRIJIET tal PL. It was during the PL time hat the boat houses were build and provided with electricity. Amongst them there were those that sat on Th Government side in the House of Representatives

Wilfred Camilleri

Dec 7th, 19:15

Both political parties are guilty in this instance. Both parties must commit on Parliament to end this farce. Both parties are afraid to lose votes. I haven't heard either leader stating in public in clear terms that they will bring an end to this farce.

M Farrugia

Dec 7th, 20:23

il-Gvern nazzjonlista ipprova iwaqqa xi uhdu min dawn id-djar imma kulhadd jaf li sab resistenza mis-sidien. IL-Labour Party tal-1996-1998 ma ghamel xejn lanqas sabiex dawn il-illegalitajiet jitnehhew. Anzi nafu li hafna min dawn in-nies li jokkupaw dawn il-kmamar ilegali itajru il-bandiera tal-labour fuq il-kmamar f;certa okkazzjonijet. L-istess jaghmlu dawk tal-ghadira li kien il-labour partu li taghom il-permess ghax huma min huma fil-maggoranza taghhom. Allura tajjeb li nghidu li ma hemmx dak jew dan il-gvern li huwa f'izball imma il-politikanti kollha li matul dawn l-ahhar 40 sena kienu fit-tmexxija.

Mario Spiteri

Dec 7th, 16:55

I want to build a room on one of the big roundabouts which abound on this island. It will be complemented with turf, shrubs and flowers....Hekk u hekk jien vot ghandi, daqs min bena illegalment fuq art pubblika.

C Galea

Dec 7th, 16:45

If this permit is given all it will mean is that whoever breaks the law one day he will be rewarded .

No more no less

M Farrugia

Dec 7th, 20:27

naqbel mieghek mija fil-mija ikser il-ligi u llum jew ghada b'xi mod jew iehor tigi ippremjat. Dur dawra ma malta u ara kemm hawn lukandi, restauranti blokok ta flats li inbnew mhux skond il-permess u qisu ma gara xejn. Hekk jitmexxa dan il-pajjiz dawn ghax gfhandhom is-sahha hadd ma jista ghalihom, u inti jekk taghmel xi haga hazina tal-MEPA jeqerduk bl-inkwiet li jaghtuk. Taf ghaliex ghax inti dajjef bhali.

Gordon Galea

Dec 7th, 16:19

For the sake of integrity - knock down the illegal boat houses and bill the squatters for the expenses, rather than sustaining them!

Wilfred Camilleri

Dec 7th, 16:17

Stop this nonsense and insanity. MEPA was not created to sanction and abet illegal activity such as building on public land without a permit. If MEPA approves this sub-station the government should fire the MEPA board and the chairman. If they proceed with this, then every Maltese person should start building sea front boat houses since it would be obvious that MEPA and the government don't practice what they preach and do not have the guts to do what is right!

Edward Mallia

Dec 7th, 17:10

Come on Mr. Camilleri. By this morning the government should have already fired the Mepa board and the chairman for their "performance" last Monday in granting an IPPC permit to the Delimara Extension to burn Heavy Fuel Oil, on palpably fake arguments. And please remember that we are in election mode already.
What is the betting on Minister Fenech putting down water and electricity charges by or soon after the next Budget? He has already said that now is not the time to put them up, possibly to safeguard the living standards of the poor "boathouse" occupants.

Wilfred Camilleri

Dec 7th, 18:51

Mr. Mallia, let's fight one battle at a time.

This is about people stealing public land for their personal use with the government's blessing. Both parties are guilty of this particular injustice because both parties do not have the guts to come out and state unequivocally that they will remove all illegal buildings on public land (not just selectively removing buildings to appear being tough) without compensation. Both parties should commit in Parliament that people occupying public land illegally have a fixed number of months to remove their belongings before the police and the AFM clear them out and raze their buildings. Anyone resisting such an order should be hauled to jail and charged with illegal use of public property and breaking the law. In other countries, people doing this would be forced to pay the cost of clearing the land and restoring the land to its previous state.

This is what this is about not the power station.

M Vella***

Dec 7th, 16:02

application by Enemalta to build an electricity sub-station in Marfa - serving people who built 'boathouses' without permits.ONLY IN MALTA THE CAPITAL OF FOOLS.

Simon Oosterman

Dec 7th, 16:38

Well said

Giovann Demartino

Dec 7th, 17:50

And YOU are our President!

NGOs support farmers' bid against Nadur Cemetery development

2011-11-29T23:23:00.000+01:00

Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 14:44

NGOs support farmers' bid against Nadur Cemetery development

Nine NGOs are supporting Nadur farmers in their bid to halt cemetery development that will damage freshwater springs that have been used for centuries.

The NGOs are Nature Trust (Malta), Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, the Malta Organic and Agriculture Movement, Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq, Youth for the Environment, Grupp Universitarji Għawdxin, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Friends of the Earth (Malta) and Ramblers' Association.

For over five centuries the terraced citrus orchards below Nadur have been fed by the Għajn Qasab springs funnelling rainwater from around 200 tumoli of adjacent garigue.

The Order of St John recognised the benefits of this precious freshwater resource and many of their stone channels still distribute the spring water in the terraced fields according to a traditional system of one weekday assigned to each farmer for irrigation.

The freshwater at Għajn Qasab provides the livelihood of these farmers cultivating approximately 5,000 citrus trees and vegetable patches below these springs.

In 2006, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority approved a 600 grave cemetery, at the very heart of the site despite objections by farmers who feared the contamination of these natural springs.

The permit, issued against all technical advice, saw the excavation with heavy machinery of the site above the springs, destroying historical techniques dating back to the knights, shattering bell-shaped wells that stored water, cutting off one of the valley springs and causing damage to the others, the organisations said.

In August 2008, when excavations commenced, the farmers requested a prohibitory injunction.

The court expert, whose expertise was contested by the farmers, stated that in his opinion "the construction of the cemetery will not have any detrimental effect on the quality or quantity of spring water that is used by farmers".

However, farmers' affidavits to Mepa testified to "considerable spring deviations, resulting in a two-third loss in spring water irrigation, loss of farmland dedicated to vegetable cultivation, the purchase of second-class bowser-delivered water, less citrus yields, and the shrivelling of numerous citrus trees".

This, they said, all adding up to a decline in their livelihoods. They also testified that during last year's rainy season dust and cement turned the spring water milky due to the savage excavations above the springs.

Last March, Mepa issued an enforcement notice as the developer abusively violated the permit conditions. The farmers fear that due to these violations in construction methods, the springs will in future be contaminated with dead body fluids, causing a fatal blow to the valley and their livelihood.

A report presented by hydrologist Marco Cremona noted "the very evident deterioration" of the quality of the farmers' water sources after the commencement of excavation works to make way for the cemetery.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the contamination is linked to the excavation and construction works at the cemetery, not least because the site of the cemetery lies just upstream of the farmers' springs.

"Moreover, the fact that the contamination increases (to a level that even becomes visible to the untrained eye) immediately after a rain event also shows that there is a direct and immediate hydraulic connection between the site of the cemetery and the farmers' water supply," Mr Cremona said.

The farmers appealed against the permit but the applicant continued with the excavations "at his own risk".

The Mepa Planning Appeals' Board is now examining the appeal and shall deliver judgment on December 15.

"The farmers are conscious that the Water Framework Directive, signed by the government in 2000, considers the monitoring of inland waters as urgent since these require a high degree of protection under national legislation and under the EU Habitats Directive.

"They still look to Mepa to uphold this legislation safeguarding their livelihood, and to ensure that this national natural heritage is kept alive for future generations. The NGOs call on Mepa to halt this development and rather look at the Eco Gozo vision which the present legislation is promoting for Gozo."

6th Nov 2011: From Sea Level to Highest Point - Part 1

2011-11-06T20:55:00.002+01:00

Walk led by Simon

Duration: 5 hours

Approx distance: 13 km.

Walking up from sea level

6th Nov 2011: From Sea Level to Highest Point-Part 2

2011-11-06T20:13:00.000+01:00

Ta' Dmejrek - approx 210 meters above sea level

6th Nov 2011: From Sea Level to Highest Point-Part 3

2011-11-06T19:24:00.000+01:00

Photos courtesy of Censu Fenech

Put your walking boots on

2011-11-05T21:03:00.000+01:00

Saturday, November 5, 2011 , by

Lino Bugeja

Put your walking boots on

Beauty of Malta is just a ramble away for everyone and it’s so easy to find out

The Maltese countryside in late autumn. Photo: Romano Cassar

The Ramblers’ Association of Malta has just launched its Autumn Walks programme including scenic routes through some of the finest and most exhilarating walking areas in the Maltese archipelago.

These popular walks encapsulate the main aims of this active NGO, mainly to promote rambling as a means of a better quality of life, to foster awareness and empathy towards Malta’s exceptional natural beauty and historical heritage and to ensure a more congenial environment throughout the Maltese countryside and coastal zone.

It may surprise visitors but after the first rains, the Maltese islands make a dramatic change as the dry, almost forbidding summer landscape rapidly changes, offering the most fascinating walks in the central Mediterranean region. They present a superb array of scenic landscape rich in geological and archaeological features, secluded beaches, ancient coastal towers, wayside chapels and vernacular art scattered in remote corners far from the hustle and bustle of the fast track of our lives.

This series of circular walks has been carefully planned to take in the rugged coastline scenery, impressive views of rock formations, a Bronze Age village (c. 800BC) complete with the bell-shaped silos then used for the storage of water or grain and the many rural characteristics dotting the Maltese countryside. These include the giren (corbelled huts), notarial deeds carved on stone, mġiebaħ (beehives) on the wild thyme covered xagħri (garigue), cart ruts, cave settlements like Għar il-Kbir in the limits of Dingli and the barumbari (pigeon houses).

Some of the walks in late autumn reveal the richness of our flora with over 1,000 varieties of delicate flowers foremost of which is the pyramidal orchid mainly growing on the garigue. The English mystic poet William Blake marvels about seeing “heaven in a wild flower”, in which case an endless paradise awaits the rambler in Malta with a feel for nature.

A walk along the green valleys of Wied Liemu and Wied Ħażrun , both rich in mediaeval remains, may regale the seasoned rambler with the discovery of the lost mediaeval chapels of St Nicholas and St James or a hamlet standing in solitary splendour.

This year, the Ramblers’ Association will be furthering its global aspiration in promoting international understanding through rambling when overseas groups will join the local clan in their pursuits.

For more information contact the Ramblers’ Association at ram205@gmail.com.

Mr Bugeja is honorary president of the Ramblers’ Association of Malta.

A silo pit in a Bronze Age settlement (c.800BC) in the limits of Ta’ Żuta. Photo: J.M. Falzon

The majestic cliffs along the northwest coast of the Maltese islands Photo: Romano Cassar

The pyramidal orchid, arguably the queen of the rich Maltese flora. Photo: Annalise Falzon

The secluded and inaccessible bay of Fomm ir-Riħ limits of Baħrija. Photo: Romano Cassar

NGOs call on Mepa to refuse new Hondoq application

2011-10-28T22:53:00.000+02:00

Friday, October 28, 2011, 17:57

NGOs call on Mepa to refuse new Hondoq application

A number of environmental non-governmental organisations are calling on the planning authority to refuse an application by the Qala Creek developers for a swimming lagoon.

In a statement this evening, Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Ramblers Association, FOE Malta, Nature Trust, GUG, Din l-art Helwa and Wirt Ghawdex said that in the face of an overwhelming outcry against the proposed Hondoq project to develop a large hotel and hundreds of real estate units around a yacht marina, the developers of Qala Creek have decided to drop the idea of the marina at Hondoq Bay, limiting themselves to a 'swimming lagoon'.

However, in the 2009 EIS coordinated report the developers themselves stated "the project would struggle if it had to be developed as a stand-alone hotel".

They said that to be successful the hotel needed to be part of an integrated project with features that differentiated it from other hotels.

When discussing revenue projections, the 2007 version of the report stated: "The hotel on its own is not commercially viable. It can only succeed and be sustainable if it forms part of a much larger complex which will attract interest by potential patrons to reside at the hotel. The marina development could act as such an attraction."

In the 2009 version this was modified to: "The hotel will be successful and sustainable if it forms part of a much larger complex which will attract interest by potential patrons to reside at the hotel. The marina development could act as such an attraction."

The NGOs said they, therefore, failed to understand how the developers could now eliminate the marina and claim that the complex would remain financially viable, as required by the Environment Impact Assessment.

"This eleventh-hour submission of new plans shows that the developers are intent on pushing through this venture in complete disregard of the social and environmental impacts of the project, ignoring the fact that the local community and also general public opinion has expressed itself against the project.

"The environmental NGOs therefore urge MEPA to refuse such a project and to revert the land to its original designation as a nature park.

"The Qala Local Council has already looked into the various aspects of creating an environment and heritage park, a project that would draw much-needed tourists to Gozo, and support existing hotels and catering establishments."

A petition on the project can be found at:

http://raxerri.com/soshondoq/

8th Oct 2011: Wied is-Sewda Walk Part 1

2011-10-08T22:01:00.002+02:00

Walk from Marsa up to Rabat, through the Wied is-Sewda valley system.

Walk distance: about 16 km

Walk duration: 4 1/2 hours

Walk leader: Simon

Some photos below:

The confluence of the Wied id-Sewda and Wied il-Kbir valley systems

Minerva enlightens me.

8th Oct 2011: Wied is-Sewda Walk - Part 2

2011-10-08T20:20:00.000+02:00

More photos below

Punic tombs

Sun 2 Oct 2011: Ghajn Tuffieha - Xaghra l-Hamra

2011-10-02T22:55:00.002+02:00

The opening walk of the season, ably led by Elaine, Nancy and Pat.

Some photos below.

Bee-keeping place

A general view of Xaghra l-Hamra

Mepa’s not-so-protected areas in Rabat

2011-08-09T21:49:00.001+02:00

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 , by

Joseph Agius, honorary secretary, Ramblers’ Association of Malta, St Paul’s Bay

Mepa’s not-so-protected areas in Rabat

Ta’ Baldu in the limits of Rabat.

(Photo supplied by the Malta Ramblers Association).

My association feels it has once more to draw attention to the fact that the information given in the One World series (August 2) is again misleading in the sense that it does not really give a full and realistic picture of the Ta’ Baldu and Wied Ħażrun area, limits of Rabat.

The Ta’ Baldu area has been the subject of many complaints with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority by our association on account of the many sanctions, as many as five (with two still in the pipeline), granted to works carried out illegally on the site. Old wooden-beam ceilings were replaced with concrete and a second floor added, landscaping carried out to “prettify” the site as a villa-type garden, a clearing created for a turfed (invasive species introduced) football pitch and a swimming pool was installed. All infringements were sanctioned by Mepa and subsequently forcefully condemned by its own Audit Office. Even wedding receptions and parties have been held on the site, while a national heritage like the Roman grotto has been barred to the public. Needless to say, the idyllic scenic views there are no longer what they had been for centuries.

As for the Wied Ħażrun area, which hosts the historic Simblija troglodyte settlement, readers are not informed that for these last months it has no longer been possible to visit this other national heritage on which public and EU funds were spent in the Aramis project rightfully launched with much fanfare by Francis Zammit Dimech. Access has recently been closed by the part-time farmer who leases the surrounding fields from the government. And this time with the full protection of the law!

People who dare go beyond the gate to see the mediaeval chapel are prosecuted. We find this strange; in fact, very strange. We have even made representations on the matter with Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi.

Our association asks in favour of what or whom are these areas protected? Certain verbs in the write-up reveal that it was written some 10 years ago and conditions there have now changed drastically. Since the write-up is probably Mepa’s own, the compilers of this series would do well to take note and show more respect for their readers.

NGOs welcome EPD's Hondoq project refusal recommendation

2011-08-03T19:46:00.000+02:00

The Times Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 12:28

NGOs welcome EPD's Hondoq project refusal recommendation

MEPA's Environment Protection Directorate's recommendation of a refusal of the Hondoq project application has been welcomed by the Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar and the Ramblers Association .

In a statement they quoted the report which states that the Qala creek project to build a yacht marina, hotel and 283 villas, flats and bungalows amounts to a major urban development in an ODZ area which should be kept free from even small-scale development.

The EPD said there was no justification, environmental improvement or similar public benefit but rather, various negative impacts related to traffic noise and emissions and to water quality.

The report on water quality established that the seawater in the Hondoq area was one of the safest and cleanest for Gozo, however the project risked major damage to Posidonia meadows in the Gozo-Comino channel from construction dust while other substances such as nitrates and phosphates could be released into the bay.

Further effluent from sea craft and the sewage purification plants could also pollute the Gozo-Comino Channel.

Dust emissions during excavation and construction were also expected to affect Qala village as well as surrounding agricultural land as wind could disperse the dust up to half a kilometre.

Set to double the size of the existing village, the impact of this project had always been a serious concern for the NGOs due to vehicle air emissions. During the 18-month excavation period, heavy vehicle traffic would amount to one truckload every four minutes, while if built, the complex would generate some 2000 vehicles per day, causing harmful social effects due to noise and air pollution and changes in the demographic fabric.

The NGOs said they were particularly concerned by what MEPA described as "the prolonged failure by the EIA Coordinator to address the issues in a comprehensive and acceptable manner. The supposedly impartial assessment reveals its bias towards the Hondoq ir-Rummien site using expressions such as "The site cries out to be developed" and "Developing a marina at this location offers a win-win situation". Thus while the report on 'Development of Yachting Facilities in Malta' had completely excluded Hondoq as a potential marina site, this EIA claimed it was the most suitable site, using the pretext of the existing few boat trips per year at Hondoq to justify a marina of 150 yachts.

The NGOs concurred with MEPA that that any claimed benefits of the project could be created without the need for new development, through improving the site by clearing the accumulated quarry debris, distillation plant and coastal debris, and regenerating the former habitats through afforestation, recreation of the valley and improvement of the beach recreation facilities. These measures were proposed by the Architecture Award projects organised by the Qala Local Council, Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar and the University of Malta Architecture Department.

The area, the organizations said, should be turned into a national park for the enjoyment of the public and to the benefit of Gozitan tourism.

They hoped the application would be refused by the MEPA board.

The decision has also been welcomed by the Qala council.

11 Comments

Post comment

Mr Alexander Pace Gouder.

Today, 17:31

Prosit - Keep it up. We Balluta Residents Association also welcome this outcome. Alexander Pace Gouder PRO Balluta Residents Association (Registered NGO)

C Galea

Today, 16:21

Keep it up MEPA. No for development in this area but yes for a clean-up and rehabilitation of the quarry. It has impinged an ugly scar to the environment and it is now high time to be restored.

Mr Joseph Thwaites

Today, 16:17

Phew! So glad to hear that Hondoq and Qala will remain as they are - unspoilt and there for all to enjoy. I visit the bay 2 or 3 times a year and its always one of the highlights of my Gozitan holiday.

I know my Gozitan friends will be of the same opinion, I vividly remember the pride in Vic's eyes when he first introduced me to the bay.

Well done to all the NGO's - it would be unthinkable for MEPA to allow the project to proceed now.

Martin Langford

Today, 16:10

I hope this is the end of this as its seems to be the way in Malta for it to raise its head again with decisions being reversed.and the refused and then finally granted.I will watch with interest to see if this is the case.( I hope not)

Mr Joseph Grungo

Today, 15:00

This area should be turned into a national park to be enjoyed by the public and I urge those organisations concerned to keep campaigning to save this beautiful part of the island from becoming another concrete monstrousity. Sadly there are already far too many of these !!
Hope MEPA sees sence and refuse the application.

Bernard Storace

Today, 16:21

A national park ....... for picnickers and others who, out of experience, will not respect it....will leave litter all over the place.....will build b-b-q's and leave the debris and ash behind......will not respect the flora and fauna found there but will drive through and trample with big feet all over the place. I say leave it in its pristine condition but give it a good clean. Remove wrecks, plastics, broken bottles, alumunium cans, paper and rusty relics of the past then let nature look after it for everybody.
I trust that MEPA will respect the wishes of the people and the advice of its own Directorate and see the sense of it all and not be blinded with empty promises. ECO-Gozo is at its best in Hondoq.

Mr Patrick Zammit

Today, 14:38

Mepa should be loud and clear and say:

Keep your grubby fingers off our natural heritage.

Jo Azzopardi

Today, 14:31

Well Done Another saved area for our future generations!!
Keep it up

Josette Buttigieg

Today, 14:12

Hope that MEPA follows on this recommendation and turn down completely the application for development. This development would only mean the rape of Hondoq and of the village of Qala as the tranquillity and beauty of this village would be destroyed forever. Follow on the idea of the creation of a public park and embellishment. After all this is not anything new as the idea was already mooted about twelve, thirteen years ago

Just one point. The plan for development includes a chapel. Please note that the chapel is there, it has been there hundreds of years and it belongs to the people of Qala and nobody else. So please keep off it. It's part of our heritage and we love it and treasure it.

The bay too is part ofm our heritage and we also love it and treasure it in its present pure, clean , and natural state.

Thanks to those responsible for the wise suggestion that the application for this sinful development should be turned down.

Ms C Galea

Today, 13:18

Mepa Bord should give this application the TUMBS DOWN .

Well done to all the NGO`s

JOE INGUANEZ

Today, 12:34

WELL DONE..... FUTHER BUILDINGS IN GOZO WILL MEAN IT'S DEATH KNELL

9th July 2011 Walk - Mgarr-Bidnija-Wardija

2011-07-09T21:09:00.003+02:00

An early morning walk.

Leader: Simon

Some photos below, courtesy of Marcel.

Mist over Bidnija Ridge

Observing the sunrise

Gebel Ghawzara

Il-Qolla as seen from Wied Qannotta

Guess what animal this is!!

Il-Qolla and Bidnija Ridge

Il-Kappella tal-Madonna tal-Abbandunati

St.Paul's Islands aka Selmunett

View from Wardija Ridge

Selmun Palace

Overlooking the plain from Wardija

Descending towards Wied Qannotta