MEPA carries out direct action on Qawra, Gozo eyesores
Two large derelict sites that were an eyesore and causing a nuisance to amenity in the prime tourism zone of Qawra were subject to a direct action operation by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) yesterday.
Both these sites, one known as Ta’ Zandu in Triq it-Tamar and the other a popular former nightclub, were causing growing complaints from neighbours as well as tourists that booked their holiday accommodation in the vicinity of these sites.
MEPA personnel removed large quantities of illegally dumped construction waste, concrete blocks, a large canopy, plastic furniture, oil drums and parts of cars, engines and tyres. The operation also included a general clean up of the areas.
In Gozo, the Authority also removed stretches of roadside field walls that were illegally built with franka stones, inert waste and some idle mechanical equipment that were found on site in the vicinity of the prime archeological Xaghra Stone Circle site, also known as Brockdroff Circle. This site lies close to the Ggantija temples, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and area of Archaeological Importance.
In another separate operation in Xewkija, MEPA enforcement officers removed a high number of derelict cars, engines, scrap metal and construction material that were being kept illegally at two sites in Triq Ta’ Hamet. Here the owners illegally changed the use of their rural property into commercial scrap yards and panel beating services. In all these cases, the owners cooperated with the MEPA officials, and continued removing substantial material themselves following MEPA’s interventions.
These direct action operations were carried out with the assistance of the ALE and Gozo Police.
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