MEPA contemplates as squatters collaborate

James Debono
While the Lands’ Department was busy removing caravans in Bahar ic-Caghaq, MEPA was busy contemplating whether a planning application submitted by the Armier boathouse owners in 2004, to construct 1589 new beach rooms in the secluded beach in the northwest of the island, is compatible with the country’s planning policies.
I the meantime the squatters’ lobby claims it is still “collaborating” with the government despite clear signs that the government is procrastinating on its pre-electoral commitment to legalise this illegal village.
Nineteen days before the general election, the Prime Minister had promised that “within six months of being elected” he would consult with MEPA on the pending planning applications for the reconstruction of the illegal boat house village by a company owned by the illegal squatters.
The deadline expired in September, whereupon the Prime Minister passed the buck on the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, asking it to assess whether the applications submitted by the Armier boathouse owners are compatible with existing planning policies.
Two months later, MEPA has still not taken a decision.
“MEPA is still drawing up its assessment on the compatibility of the three applications submitted by Armier Developments Limited,” a MEPA spokesperson told MaltaToday.
Gonzi had also promised the squatters that following MEPA’s approval of the application, he would present a parliamentary motion to transfer 230 tumoli of public land to a company owned by the Armier squatters, thus legalising the occupation of public land.
He also promised the squatters that none of the illegal structures built before 1992 would be demolished.
But the Armier squatters are still hopeful that they will succeed in getting a legal title over the Armier land.
Writing in the Armier’s online newsletter, Tarcisio Barbara, the President of the squatters’ lobby, announced that the “consultation process” involving the government, MEPA and the Lands’ Department on the pending applications had started as promised by the government before the election.
“Whatever happens and irrespective of what is being said, we will abide by what has been promised to us in writing, and for now I can only say that we are collaborating with the authorities,” Barbara wrote.

jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt

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