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
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)
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."
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 !
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
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.
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."
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.
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.
Today, 17:25
thumbs up to the ramblers' association!
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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.
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M Vella***
Today, 11:49
This is Malta the land of free to all,Jungle law,cowboy Constitution and mickey mouse government.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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?
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.