Thursday, 17th April 2008 - 17:02CET
ADT issues second warning over Marsalforn works
Works at Marsalforn to restore sections of road to the state they were in before illegal alternations, are not up to standard, the Transport Authority complained today.
The ADT had ordered the local council of Zebbug (Gozo) to restore the area to its original condition because it insisted that permits were needed before any alterations were made.
The authority said it had informed Roads Minister Austin Gatt of the latest developments and, on his instructions, had written to the council once more, warning that unless the situation was rectified within two weeks, it would do the work itself and bill the council.
The ADT said it had also noted that a tourist establishment had placed tables and chairs in the very same place where the illegal works were carried out. This, it said, was also against the law, and it has asked Mepa to take the appropriate action.
Dr Gatt in comments quoted by the ADT, said no public entity, whether it was an authority, local council or other body, was above the law. Furthermore, any illegal work "to benefit somebody" could mean an inconvenience and possibly a danger to other road users. The law applied to all and it was only the ADT which could decide that road works were according to proper international standards.
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These are grave abuses which should also be checked and are more serious than the ones mentioned in Marsalforn or elsewhere, where i suspect that they are being done in spite, rather than out of necessity.
Let's talk money here !
Who allocates money to local councils ? The central Govt.
From where does the central Govt get the money ? From us tax payers.
So - logically speaking if the council is billed as the minister said , The council will pay from tax payers' money .
No sir - This is against all logic - Why should we tax payers pay for wrong doing of someone who thinks is above the law and can do anything ?
No sir - The local council will surely recuperate the payment by increasing revenue - from warden fines?
No sir - Payment must be effected by the developer.
Rule number 1: Any ,and I mean Any proposed development application must be reviewed by the architect concerned with the application.
Rule number 2: If the development is not permissible the application must NOT BE SUBMITTED TO MEPA. This has to be understood.
Rule number 3: All those applicants - contractors,speculators,clients who attempt to say 'let's give it a try' or 'nitfghuha forsi tigi approvata' - Must quit this egoistic habit .
Rule number 4 : All development applications should be right first time - All architects have access to internet to find out what is and what is not according to the law and have the duty to stress this to their clients.
There is urgent need for discipline and a warning must be First and Final at the same time - no prolonging with 'ifs' and 'buts' !!