In a desolate hall far away from the media spotlight that is now focusing on the elections, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s board has decided to reduce a fine imposed on 13 illegally constructed boathouses in Dwejra, Gozo.
The boathouses were legalised barely three months ago after the Development Control Commission (DCC) said the Qawra/Dwejra Heritage Park Action Plan provided for the sanctioning of the boathouses as long as they are limited to one storey.
And yet, the MEPA case officer’s report has previously pointed out that the boathouses were “constructed illegally”.
The Environment Protection Directorate (EPD) had remarked that the structures are located “in an ecologically and scientifically important area” which hosts “rare and fragile habitats.” The EPD said it “fully supports the removal of these illegal structures… The area has great scenic and aesthetic value and is one of the most important attractions for tourists and locals.”
The case officer’s report also says the fresh water pool is a very rare habitat in the island and that the “inland sea has suffered from the illegal construction of buildings.”
The report claims the original number of boathouses shown in a 1968 survey showed 65 boathouses. The boathouses which applied for sanctioning were among the 47 boathouses constructed illegally after 1968.
Back in 2000, both Din l-Art Helwa and Nature Trust objected to the sanctioning, “irrespective of whether they were built prior to 1992 or not.” They argued sanctioning them would create a precedent that would legalise other abusive structures built before 1992.
The original case officer’s report had recommended a refusal of this permit but the recommendation was changed after the publication of the local plan, which endorsed the Qawra/Dwejra Heritage Action Plan.
Following the decision to sanction the boathouses, the owners appealed against the imposition of a maximum fine of €2,329 and a planning gain of €1,164 to be used to fund environmental projects in the area.
On Thursday MEPA agreed to reduce the “maximum fine” to a major fine, arguing the original recommendation by the case officer was to issue a “major fine”.
The planning gain was also eliminated because the Planning Directorate said the Qawra Dwejra Heritage Park Action Plan “provides specifically the sanctioning of the existing illegalities of boathouses in the area.”
Before the vote was taken, MEPA chairman Andrew Calleja decreed the costs of the appeal should be deducted from the reduced fine.

jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt