Squatters

From The Malta Independent on Sunday
Oct 12, 2008

The Ramblers’ Association of Malta said in a statement that it notes with satisfaction that ENGOs and private citizens’ pleas regarding squatters are finally being heard. The general public cannot but be grateful to the Government Property Division of the Lands Department, and in particular to Parliamentary Secretary Dr Jason Azzopardi, for the recent eviction action taken against the squatters at Bahar ic-Caghaq and Ghajn Tuffieha. RAM of course expects that this reclaimed land will now be open for the public to enjoy and that similar action is taken against ALL other areas occupied by squatters, including Armier.

PR: Together for a Sustainable Future?

Together for a Sustainable Future?

Throughout summer of 2006, the authorities justified the Rationalisation scheme to use more countryside for construction purposes by claiming that this would seal shut the development zones and prevent further building Out of Development Zone (ODZ). Before and after this year’s general elections, the electorate continued to be promised more environmental awareness and respect, with emphasis on protection of the countryside. Six months down the road and this promise is far from materialising.

Over the last six months alone, MEPA approved not less than 318 permits to build structures in the countryside or ODZ, many of which are to be built on fresh agricultural land. Although MEPA regulations stipulate that only bona fide agricultural structures, parks and recreational facilities are normally permitted to be built in ODZ, the NGOs are dismayed to see that these permits included flats, garages and light industries. It is therefore hardly surprising that developers are still confident of obtaining permits to build in ODZ and that in spite of official declarations of “no more speculation in ODZ” such applications continue to flood into MEPA, with over 1,160* submitted to MEPA over the last twelve months, at an average rate of 20% of the total of applications submitted.

The rate of take-up of agricultural sites has further escalated recently with the setting up of small industry complexes such as the micro-industry park on fields at ‘Telgha t’Alla u’Ommu’, Naxxar and several other sites which consume a great many tumoli of previously arable land when the carcasses of unfinished showrooms and empty factories litter the island. This could have been avoided by a Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) on the sector’s present facilities and future needs. Similarly agro-industries are also being permitted to re-locate to cultivated fields in an unregulated manner rather than being incentivated to re-use abandoned farm buildings.

The lack of revision of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, which actually facilitate ODZ projects, and the sixteen-year delay in setting up the Consultants’ Register and Code of Ethics, which could have taken place well before MEPA reform, also leaves the countryside more vulnerable to predatory mega-projects such as those at Hondoq ir-Rummien, Ramla l-Hamra and Mellieha Bay.

Walks Programme: October to December 2008

Below please find the programme of walks that RAM has organised for the period October to December 2008. Most routes might entail walking over some rough terrain in open countryside. Good walking shoes and suitable clothing for the weather are therefore recommended. It is always a good idea to bring some drinking water along, especially on the longer walks. Some walks might present problems to anyone who is not used to walking over unpaved ground.

Please note that while RAM takes great care in picking the trails, one’s safety is ultimately one’s responsibility. RAM declines all responsibility for any personal injury or loss of belongings.

Although RAM endeavours to adhere to the published walks programme, change of route, date or other details may become necessary and we reserve the right to make such changes without prior notice.

All walks are circular walks unless otherwise noted.

In case of very bad weather, walks might be cancelled. If in doubt please consult the blog (http://ramblersassociation.blogspot.com/) or phone 99497080.

For your information and for the benefit of the beautiful Maltese countryside, the last section has some important advice about walking in the countryside. Please take this with you on your walks – it is useful information and will take only a few minutes to read.

Note: Booking a place on a restricted walk is not the same as buying a ticket to a concert. I.e., the person who was accepted on the walk cannot decide to transfer his/her place to another person. If you have made a booking, then we assume that you intend to join the walk. If, subsequently, something happens and you cannot make it, you might want to inform us if you have time, and we will see if there are other people on the standby list who can join the walk, even at short notice.
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Sunday 19th October – Against the flow. (Qormi-Fawwara-Siggiewi) Scenic
This is a non-circular walk.
Starting from our meeting point, we will follow the natural water courses upstream as much as possible from Marsa to Gebel Ciantar, starting from Wied ic-Cawsli up to Wied Zikku. Once the highest point is reached, we descend slowly towards the village of Siggiewi where we can take a bus back to our starting point. Note that the exact route will depend on the actual weather conditions.

Rating: Moderate but steep gradients during last part of walk
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Meeting place: Lowenbrau Factory, Qormi (no problem for parking )
Time: 8:30am
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Saturday 25th October Ras id-Dawwara - Migra Ferha - Mtahleb. Scenic
The first part of the walk will take us along the scenic cliffs up to Ras id-Dawwara. From here we enjoy spectacular views of two giant caves at sea level where Wied Ghar Ilma/Wied Rum discharge into the sea. Well beyond Ras id-Dawwara we turn inland. After visiting a small cave (some resemblance with Ras Il Wardija in Gozo) we follow a path uphill, cross Wied Ghar
Ilma/Wied Rum till just below the cliff face of Mtahleb settlement and church. From
there we make our way back to our starting place.

This is a restricted walk. Please book, preferably by email on ramwalks@gmail.com quoting subject “25th October Walk”, or alternately by SMS to 79425744. Booking will open 10 days before the walk, i.e., on 15th October. Any requests before that date will be disregarded.

Rating: Some steep inclines and some rough terrain.
Duration: 2 ½ to 3 hours
Meeting place: To be advised
Time: To be advised
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Saturday 8th November - The Four Santa Marija’s (South). Scenic, Cultural.
The idea of this walk is to revive an old tradition which used to take place on the eve of Santa Marija’s feast, when seven villages were visited. From our meeting place, we will walk towards Qrendi, reaching its parish church after approximately 2 hours.
From there we will continue towards Mqabba and Gudja (passing through Kirkop) using secondary roads and footpaths as much as possible. After reaching Ghaxaq, we return to our meeting point through Wied Garnaw.

Duration : 6 to 7 hours
Rating : Moderate terrain except first part from Luqa to Qrendi; otherwise no
particular gradients, but remember that this is a very long walk.
Meeting place : Luqa Parish Church
Time : 8:30am
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Wednesday, 12th November - Country areas around Rabat. Scenic
The route will take in Ta' Qali, San Pawl tal-Qlejja, Speranza Valley, Chadwick Lakes, Fiddien, Nigret and Mtarfa Bypass back to Ta'Qali.

Duration: 3.5hrs
Rating : Moderate terrain.
Meeting place: Millenium Stand, National Stadium, Ta'Qali
Time: 3:00 pm
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Wednesday, 19th November - Dingli to Buskett. Scenic/Cultural
From St Mary's parish church in Dingli the way will follow Gnien il-Haddiem, Triq Hal-Tartarni, Ta' Sabbat, Dingli Cliffs, St Mary Magdalene chapel, past the Radar transmitting station back to Dingli.

Duration: 1.5hrs
Rating : Moderate terrain.
Meeting place: St Mary's Parish Church, Dingli
Time: 3:00 pm
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Sunday 30th November - Qlejgha/Wied Speranza Cultural
This walk takes us to the archaeological area of St.Paul’s Chapel overlooking Wied il-Qlejgha and Wied Speranza. We will then follow up with an (optional) walk down Wied Speranza up to the Madona tal-Isperanza chapel.

Duration: about 2 hours
Rating : Some uneven terrain.
Meeting place: Kappella ta’ San Pawl tal Qlejgha (Wied Qlejgha)
(This is near the main roundabout leading to Mgarr, Rabat or Bizbizija)
Time: 9:30 am
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Saturday 6th December. The length of Malta. Endurance.
This is a non-circular walk.
The idea is to walk the whole length of Malta.
This is a restricted walk. Please book, preferably by email on ramwalks@gmail.com quoting subject “6th December Walk” or alternately by SMS to 79425744. Booking will open 10 days before the walk, i.e. on 26th November. Any requests before that date will be disregarded.

Duration: very long
Rating : Steep and long inclines, uneven terrain, Not for the faint-hearted.
Meeting place: To be advised
Time: To be advised
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Wednesday 17th December - Clapham Junction and environs. Cultural
We will explore the enigmatic cart-ruts at Clapham Junction near Ghar il-Kbir, the nearby antique quarries and other remains with an optional circular walk to Girgenti and back.

Duration: about 1 ½ hours
Rating : Some uneven terrain.
Meeting place: Just outside the exit from Buskett near the Cart-Ruts sign of
Clapham Junction (this is the exit closest to the tent).
Time: 9:30 am

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Green Country Code – for a more respectful approach to our countryside

Adapted from Malta, Gozo & Comino: Off the Beaten Track - a Nature Trust publication 2002
1. Refrain from collecting or causing harm to any specimens of flora, fauna, geological items
such as fossils and stalactites or archaeological artefacts.
2. Respect natural habitats, sensitive sites and the local inhabitants. Tread lightly and avoid
disturbance.
3. Avoid causing noise and light pollution (especially in caves or at night)
4. Do not dispose of any waste in the countryside or sea
5. Do not light fires in vulnerable locations such as caves, beneath trees, on dry grass or garigue
areas
6. Keep to paths where possible – avoid trespassing on defined private property and cultivated
fields.
7. Avoid trampling
8. Be informed beforehand of the protection status of any sites you will be passing through –
some activities may be restricted in such areas or at least they may require extra attention
upon visiting
9. Report any grass fires or emergencies on 112
10. Enjoy the countryside!
Important telephone numbers:
· Emergencies, Fire, Police: 112
· Police: 2122 4001
· Administrative Law Enforcement MALTA: 2122 4001 or 21235761
· Administrative Law Enforcement GOZO: 21562040
Report illegal development to MEPA on 2290 0000
MEPA Planning Protection:
Malta: 9926 9926
Gozo: 9924 9924
MEPA Nature Protection: 7949 6320
MEPA Pollution Control: 9921 9991

If you encounter injured wildlife contact immediately International Animal Rescue Malta (Mr Max Farrugia mobile: 9947 1212)
If you encounter marine wildlife (injured/stranded/dead) contact Nature Trust’s Marine Rescue
Team on 9942 2085/6.
Report sightings of marine mammals, reptiles and sharks to Nature Trust on 9942 2085/6 or
mlcg@waldonet.net.mt
Be extremely cautious when handling injured animals!

For weekend emergencies i.c.w. injured pet animals such as cats and dogs contact the Vet
Emergency Service on 50043888

Report archaeological findings to: Anthony Pace, Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, 138, Melita Street, Valletta. VLT 08. Tel. +356 21 230711; +356 21 251874; Fax. +356 21 251140 E-mail anthony.pace@gov.mt
http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt
http://www.culturalheritage.org.mt
The Natural History Museum at Mdina may be interested in knowing about any dead wildlife you encounter.

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Sep 14, 2008. Selmun walk organised in conjunction with Mellieha Local Council

Some photos of the subject walk, contributed by RAM member Michelle Sultana.

Ramblers outside Selmun Palace

Ramblers heading to Mistra

Ramblers being briefed about Selmun Palace and surroundings

Introductory talk by Alex Vella, Esq.

Dining Room at Selmun Palace


Entrance

PS for Lands dealing with Fomm ir-Rih irregularities

From the Malta Independent 17th August 2008 PS for Lands dealing with Fomm ir-Rih irregularities

by ANNALIZA BORG Following years of apparent neglect on the part of the authorities, newly-appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Revenues and Land Jason Azzopardi is taking the matter of land use and public access to Fomm ir-Rih in hand. Contacted this week, Dr Azzopardi said the Government Property Division finalised a land survey of the area in question earlier this month, which will serve as the basis for discussions on the sensitive issue. The long-standing issue of access to the picturesque bay had been brought to the fore last month when the Ramblers’ Association of Malta staged a protest over several seeming illegalities in the area, including the blocking of a public pathway to the bay’s foreshore by the owners of a private residence. Dr Azzopardi is to meet with the Ramblers’ Association early next month to discuss the irregularities highlighted, with a new land survey of the area. Dr Azzopardi said he had not been aware of the serious problems of accessibility and degradation of the countryside before RAM staged its protest on 31 July to highlight the issues. He said he had not met Ramblers’ representatives since his appointment as Parliamentary Secretary for Revenues and Land after the 8 March general election. Although Dr Azzopardi had attempted to meet with RAM before the protest was held, his efforts proved futile. He then instructed a team from the Government Property Division to go on site and carry out a survey in order to assess the situation in the area. “This survey,” which Dr Azzopardi said was ready within two days of the protest, “will be the basis for discussions.” During its protest, the organisation had promised its members that a more aggressive approach would be taken in the coming months since “years of complaints (about the state of affairs in the area) and various objections have proved futile”. A group of 60 ramblers had walked down to the bay to find that the public pathway had been completely obliterated. The protest took place in view of several illegalities, which included the building of a concrete road outside the gate of a private residence and broken boulders strewn across a road leading to the foreshore, before a development application had been filed with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. After the application to sanction the illegalities was dismissed, work on a gate and rubble walls was carried out, as well as landscaping. Invasive trees such as ailanthus, acacia and eucalyptus were planted recently, RAM said. In a letter to the Director General, Government Property Division, RAM had said the protest was the culmination of years of complaints, objections and futile efforts regarding the situation at Fomm ir-Rih. This explained that while “sympathy and lip-service” were forthcoming from various ministers and authorities, “proceedings on the ground worsened, with the situation deteriorating to unprecedented illegality”. RAM said it felt the necessity to convey this message at the end of its programme of walks, because of its concern that matters in the open areas of Malta are getting out of hand. The organisation had urged the Government Property Division to “immediately re-establish the public path from the Bahrija side to the foreshore of the bay which was conceded by public deed of 1983 but never maintained”. Similarly, RAM called for action to restore the countryside and foreshore to a natural state by removing signs, gates and other obstacles put up without permission to prevent or limit access to the public, restore blocked pathways and country lanes and stop the ecological damage being caused by unauthorised building and the illicit plantation of invasive trees and plants.

PS for Lands says he is dealing with Fomm ir-Rih irregularities

From the Malta Independent on Sunday

PS for Lands dealing with Fomm ir-Rih irregularities

ANNALIZA BORG
Sunday, August 17, 2008

Following years of apparent neglect on the part of the authorities, newly-appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Revenues and Land Jason Azzopardi is taking the matter of land use and public access to Fomm ir-Rih in hand.

Contacted this week, Dr Azzopardi said the Government Property Division finalised a land survey of the area in question earlier this month, which will serve as the basis for discussions on the sensitive issue.

The long-standing issue of access to the picturesque bay had been brought to the fore last month when the Ramblers’ Association of Malta staged a protest over several seeming illegalities in the area, including the blocking of a public pathway to the bay’s foreshore by the owners of a private residence.

Dr Azzopardi is to meet with the Ramblers’ Association early next month to discuss the irregularities highlighted, with a new land survey of the area.

Dr Azzopardi said he had not been aware of the serious problems of accessibility and degradation of the countryside before RAM staged its protest on 31 July (the protest walk was actually held on 29th July) to highlight the issues.

He said he had not met Ramblers’ representatives since his appointment as Parliamentary Secretary for Revenues and Land after the 8 March general election.

Although Dr Azzopardi had attempted to meet with RAM before the protest was held, his efforts proved futile. He then instructed a team from the Government Property Division to go on site and carry out a survey in order to assess the situation in the area. “This survey,” which Dr Azzopardi said was ready within two days of the protest, “will be the basis for discussions.”

During its protest, the organisation had promised its members that a more aggressive approach would be taken in the coming months since “years of complaints (about the state of affairs in the area) and various objections have proved futile”. A group of 60 ramblers had walked down to the bay to find that the public pathway had been completely obliterated.

The protest took place in view of several illegalities, which included the building of a concrete road outside the gate of a private residence and broken boulders strewn across a road leading to the foreshore, before a development application had been filed with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. After the application to sanction the illegalities was dismissed, work on a gate and rubble walls was carried out, as well as landscaping. Invasive trees such as ailanthus, acacia and eucalyptus were planted recently, RAM said.

In a letter to the Director General, Government Property Division, RAM had said the protest was the culmination of years of complaints, objections and futile efforts regarding the situation at Fomm ir-Rih. This explained that while “sympathy and lip-service” were forthcoming from various ministers and authorities, “proceedings on the ground worsened, with the situation deteriorating to unprecedented illegality”.

RAM said it felt the necessity to convey this message at the end of its programme of walks, because of its concern that matters in the open areas of Malta are getting out of hand. The organisation had urged the Government Property Division to “immediately re-establish the public path from the Bahrija side to the foreshore of the bay which was conceded by public deed of 1983 but never maintained”.

Similarly, RAM called for action to restore the countryside and foreshore to a natural state by removing signs, gates and other obstacles put up without permission to prevent or limit access to the public, restore blocked pathways and country lanes and stop the ecological damage being caused by unauthorised building and the illicit plantation of invasive trees and plants.

Ramblers on shoreline structure policy

Ramblers happy that derelict cliff top hotel is to be removed
Friday, August 08, 2008

The Ramblers Association has expressed satisfaction at the fact that the derelict hotel lying on the cliff side at Ghajn Tuffieha is to be removed and land is to be restored to its original state. The association said this is the way forward with such abandoned structures built on public land. It said Structure Plan policy CZM 3 supports this move: “Public access around the coastline immediately adjacent to the sea or at the top of cliffs (including in bays, harbours, and creeks) will be secured. This will include taking shorelands into public ownership, government acquisition of illegal developments and encroachments, and suitable construction works.”

The association said it believed the same thing should have been done with old structure at Golden Bay (Bajja tal-Mixquqa), instead of permitting an even-larger hotel that has completely closed off public access to the cliff-edge, in direct conflict with this policy.

RAM cannot, however share the government’s view on the Armier squatters’ case when it says that it is difficult to speak of illegality by the squatters when it was the state that provided them with services. This sounds very much like Two wrongs do indeed make a right, the association said. RAM still insists that Government has only one honourable way forward: these illegal structures should all be torn down and the land restored to the public, its rightful owner.