Ramblers rage over Armier
The Ramblers’ Association of Malta said today it found it "unbelievable and disquieting" that the Prime Minister has “secretly consented to sanction the illegal occupation of public land at Armier" in what it said was a pre-election gimmick.
"To add insult to injury, Enemalta is now proposing to build a substation estimated at €82,000 so that these illegal settlements can be better-served."
The Association said it was deeply hurt at how both large political parties were pandering to the unjustified demands of these "organised squatters" and said this was making well-behaved citizens feel like stupid losers for being upright and law-abiding.
The ramblers also noted that Qala Local Council was being given €10,000 out of public funds in order to conduct its own technical study into the proposed development of Hondoq ir-Rummien.
"RAM believes that such a proposed massive project in an ODZ area should not even have been considered in the first place. Why waste people’s time and money on such an abhorrent project? Is this just a gesture of appeasement, so that the government can then say that Qala residents were given the resources to combat this so-called development? The PM, now directly responsible for MEPA, had said, “ODZ is ODZ”. Or was this just pre-election talk? We still believe that the PM has the long-term good of the country at heart, and this project definitely does not fit the bill. It will simply contribute to the decline of Gozo as a pristine place, for both locals and visitors," the ramblers said.
In its statement the Association welcomed the new MLP leader’s declarations (made in the course of his interview on Dissett) regarding his proposed environmental course of action.
"We refer to his definitively excluding golf courses (this has been RAM’s policy all along) and to his defining the Hondoq ir-Rummien project as unsustainable. This too is perfectly in line with what our association and other Environmental NGOs have been repeating these last years. RAM now eagerly awaits an MLP policy statement on the Armier squatters," the ramblers said.
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James Sultana
Jun 22nd 2008, 20:26
Clare .... let`s agree that all ODZ development is wrong ... but then it SHOULD BE ALL DEVELOPMENT IN ODZ and not only those whose owners have no power / cash / influence etc etc.
And let`s say that these "squatters" are removed ... fine. Are you dreaming that the day these are removed, the land will be available to the public and the area left untouched ?? If your answer is "yes" ... THEN WAKE UP AND STOP DREAMING !
The ORIGINAL government plans were that the current structures (whose pre-1992 dating precludes them from MEPA legislation) are removed, and then the land TOGETHER WITH LARGE PARTS of the agricultural area close by are given to developers to build "an organised" development.
Will that make it more available to the public than it is today ? Will that allow the public to go and swim there FOR FREE just like today ? I don`t think so. (Try to go and exercise your right for the sea-shore buffer which should be available to all through a beach concession of a hotel or a waterpool pitch!).
Will that make you happier then ?
tony caruana
Jun 22nd 2008, 19:36
Dear J. Borg
Who mentioned the Seashore ? Furthermore there is no seashore at bahrija only cliffs. Those members of RAM that trepassed on the 11th May 2008 know that they were not any were near the seashore as you put it.
So when we put signs up indicating that the property is private you condemm us,and if we don't you tell us to put signs up.!!
One of the RAM members even had the cheek to tell a fellow landowner that we took over the land without any title. For your information we spend hundreds of thousands of Euros on our land maybe you should try to get some of your own.
Further more there are public paths and PRIVATE paths.
Tresspassing is a criminal offence and we will take legal action.and if you want signs you shall get them.
Claire Bonello
Jun 22nd 2008, 19:35
@ James Sultana- James, you are wrong again. All ODZ development is wrong and illegal. The Solemar case is one I have quoted extensively because it set a horrendous precedent - one which was also mentioned in the Auditor's report about the Xemxija Bypass fiasco by the MEPA auditor. But if Mr Solemar is wrong and has developed land illegally then others shouldn't ollow suit and do the same thing. Surely, you realise that this is the way things go in a civilised country where the laws should be respected by all. I repeat "Two wrongs, don't make a right" - now if you want to get all defensive because it is the current PM who has promised the Armier squatters the sanctioning of their squat, go ahead....
James Sultana
Jun 22nd 2008, 18:45
@ Clare :Very interesting Clare ...... it seems that you also have passed through a change of mind or a change of heart - call it what you like. Like many others, you prefer keep insisting on the small "fish", accepting the fact that the big fish can do what it likes. Even the "baron`s development" - at least that how you used to describe him - was in an ODZ, but since he had the money and power, it seems that it is a closed case for you, and although "a wrong" you are ready to live with it, right ?
What you are forgetting is that while the developer built when certain "authorities" were already in place but still was given an "easy ride" and the option to keep (the Armier sqautters built theirs before 1992, pre-MEPA)
@Mr Borg: Many of the "beach concessions" at the major hotels are on public land which is rented to them at a ridiculous sum : some even as low as €100-a-year !! Have you or the RAM ever tried to access the seashore in their premises ?? Have you, the RAM or any columnist protested about this ?
Claire Bonello
Jun 22nd 2008, 17:06
James Sultana you are wrong - the Ramblers do not state that all property is public and that they have a divine right to traipse all over it. They insist (as they should) that what is public should remain public to all. And buying the property in question is not on the cards - it is an ODZ. The Armier sqautters have taken up property illegally AND infringed planning laws. The fact that a big developer done the road has done the same is not relevant. Two wrongs never made a right
J. Borg
Jun 22nd 2008, 15:21
Tony Caruana - if Bahrija is private - access to the seashore is not
So you would do well to ensure that proper signage is in place to confirm and mark the private land as also the PUBLIC reasonably accessible path to the seashore.
Tony Caruana
Jun 22nd 2008, 13:30
" Also, what the ramblers (who regularly give the mistaken impression that all countryside is public land to which they have a divine right, when it is worth noting that large parts of it are privately owned) ""
This is very true. May i remind the RAM that all the land at BAHRIJA is private property and they have no right to trespass.
James Sultana
Jun 22nd 2008, 10:02
It seems that many here are forgetting that further down the road, a big-powerful-rich sqautter not only occupied public land for his own leisure, but even built HALF OF HIS HOTEL ON IT. The government`s response was that after a court case, the "squatter" was made to "pay" for the land so that he could keep his buisness. And the sum to be paid for that land was less than Lm 175,000 !! So if the same value per square meter is used and converted from buisness to residential rate, than I think all boathouse owners at Armier would be willing to pay.
Also, what the ramblers (who regularly give the mistaken impression that all countryside is public land to which they have a divine right, when it is worth noting that large parts of it are privately owned) are not saying is that the Government plans were to demolish the boathouses and hand it over to private investors, and in the original plans, not only these ramblers would not be able to even approach the area (something which now they can do) but the plans included also large amount of agricultaral land given to the developers
Frans Sammut
Jun 22nd 2008, 09:53
May I agree with F. Spiteri's comments. What these people should do is pay for the land they acquired. It is only normal to pay for what you get.
j n ebejer
Jun 21st 2008, 19:36
I think that if a political party had to act with respect with honest, law abiding citizen, it would benefit more than that which condones barbarism, so would the majority of citizens.
Obviously, it is not the case with this island - there is no barbarism, I mean.
Claire Bonello
Jun 21st 2008, 16:40
Will all those crying out that this is an issue which should not be politicised, stop and think for a minute. It has already been politicised from the moment that politicians (including the PM) chose to talk and assure the squatters that their illegal occupation would be sanctioned. This was a transparent vote-catching exercise which WORKED. The people who voted PN on the basis of Gonzi's promises to protect the environment can judge whether those words are ringing hollow. Now they're also getting a substation so they can have reliable voltage - rewarding their illegality. It's all very well raging after the election - unfortunately pretty useless
Noel Cutajar
Jun 21st 2008, 15:45
It makes me laugh to see comments made by Charles Camilleri and others who try to put the Labour's past in the present future. If the Labour party gave concessions to these squaters, may I remind him that the present government has been in power for more than 20 years. So, please check your facts and ask yourself what did this government do to stop or curb the abuse? NOTHING!!! so Ramblers keep your stance on this issue as this has no one colour but made up of a complex of colours. I do not want that when I grow old to see only white stone but maybe some green to be buried in...may Malta rest in peace...
F Spiteri
Jun 21st 2008, 14:55
To C R Taliana
I agree with you that they should be asked to pay. Not a fine however, but the full payment according to the current value of land. I paid thousands of Maltese liri when I bought legally and lawfully my own land!!!
If they are not interested in forwarding the money due, PLEASE LEAVE and the building will be finally demolished!!! We'll all say thank you!
D Camilleri
Jun 21st 2008, 14:29
Seems to me politicians do anything for votes, everybody concerned about our environment and public land, should join an environmental NGO and when the NGO join forces on a particular issue we can all together ,show them what we think of them, making fools of us for so long, for their personal power.
Joseph Agius
Jun 21st 2008, 11:57
The disguise some squatters adopt is quite funny. Sorry, I meant ridiculous.
carmel fenech
Jun 21st 2008, 11:33
I congratulate the Ramblers Ass. for speaking about these illegal dealings of land at Armier by our so called Government. Please go on and protest against this outrage which has been going for a very long time now. This is one way which was used by the Nationalist Party to buy votes in the last General Elections. Poor Malta, the people now have the Government they deserve. Good Luck.
C.R. TALIANA
Jun 21st 2008, 10:50
Maybe now it's too late to destroy the summerhouses but a good FINE to the present owners could be a strong warning against future squatters.
Andrew Gatt
Jun 21st 2008, 09:34
Hey Richard! Long time no discuss! I simply feel that Birdlife applies many weights and many measures, and that this organization is barking up the wrong tree. Ilegal shantytowns like Armier etc. are PERMANENT scars on the environment. So is rampant overdevelopment. So is light pollution. And so on. It's ovious to me that this organization is so much more ANTI-HUNTING than pro-birds. There are far, far, far far more serious threats to the environment than the measly bags we hunters manage to take home. Hunters do not turn virgin land into concrete. Hunters have the same vested interest in retaining and improving what little is left of our countryside. Hunters have not turned our coasts into light shows.
So - I ask Birdlife again - why no protests? Why no petitions? Why no provocation and harassment? Why no sneaking off to the EU? Why no court cases? Why no T-shirts?
If you're REALLY SERIOUS about the environment, legal hunting should be the VERY LEAST of your concerns.
Patrick Attard
Jun 21st 2008, 02:11
Whether Ghadira or Armier or Bahar Ic-Caghaq. Whether blue or red. Whether Gonzi or Philip Muscat. Whether PN or MLP we (unless boathouses owners) all agree that the squatters and illegal boathouses must go. MEPA - This is your job so please take note and action asap.
Richard Cachia Zammit
Jun 20th 2008, 20:35
Andrew Gatt, Birdlife has been campaigning against development in our countryside for ages. As a matter of fact, some members of the then MOS, were amongst the first to form Zaghzagh ghal-ambjent from which eventually AD evolved. What about hunters? As far as I know, recently they were aginst the protection of natural areas. In fact their letter on this newspaper on the 4th June is entitled “Enough nature conservation areas” I think that says it all.
Joe Buttigieg
Jun 20th 2008, 20:06
@Mr/Ms A Farrugia.
May we please know your TRUE ( not opportunistic) colours??!!
W. Schmeink
Jun 20th 2008, 19:59
I have an interest in following the environmental organisations in Malta. Here in Germany, environmentalists do not find any problem associating themselves with that political party who spearhead consistently environmental issues. Perhaps this is the reason why the German Green Party is strong unlike yours in Malta. Not only, since the German Greens are represented in parliament, the big parties and small parties take environmental issues seriously.
Saying not to politicize the environment is not real.Decisions about the environment are all political.
Having a politician who secretly consented to sanction the illegal occupation of public land with squatters is unheard of in civilised EU countries.
I wish the Malta Ramblers Association well and hope that what I wrote is an eye-opener. You have a beautyful island (actually I prefer Gozo than Malta)...so please take care of your country. Don't be afraid to shame politicians who want rape more of your land, yet don't shy away from publicly show priase to those politicians (from any political party) who are credible in environmental issues. This way you can be much more effective.Politicians everywhere in the world are just afraid to loose votes. Use this as your fighting tool.
Miriam Galea
Jun 20th 2008, 19:01
VERY WELL SAID D. MANGION.
This is the real reason why the environmental NGOs in Malta are so ineffective....they either move to Red or Blue. Unfortunately some did not realise yet that these land speculators are ultimately funding the MLPN.
Charles Camilleri
Jun 20th 2008, 16:32
For labour party moaners whose memory is failing them may i remind them that many or almost all those illegal buildings at Armier, Ghadira, St. Thomas Bay Zejtun and others originated long time ago under a labour Government and were even provided with electricity service. So please stop politicizing everything. We all agree that these squatters should be removed and should back the Govt if it ever decides take action and not make political propaganda out of it.
A Farrugia
Jun 20th 2008, 16:04
It is a bit rich to critisice the government who tried during the Fenech Adami administration to ramble through this area and bring order and clear off the land. With the whole police force and army they did not succeed. Dear Rambler why not point your guns on Dr Philip Muscat who said that it would be "over their dead bodies" that the Government will clear the shanty town. Point your guns where they should point and not on others.
R. Agius
Jun 20th 2008, 15:37
I don't think anyone can challenge what D. Mangion comments. Alternattiva is the real pioneer and all lovers of the environment have a great debt towards these brave men who have battled on for so many years against so many odds. They may not have, so far, received our votes but they have surely won the hearts of many of us.
Thank you Dr Vassallo for your selfless dedication, for your informed and well-argued articles and for your many invaluable and innovative ideas, some grabbed by others without any acknowledgement others discarded because there was no potential, immediate personal or party gain from them.
Praise, however, should also go to the NGOs who continue this sacred struggle to save our environment from the unceasing onslaught. Well done, Ramblers. Malta needs you!
Patrick Attard
Jun 20th 2008, 14:29
What about the illegal boathouses in Bahar Ic-Caghaq??? Its about time that the MEPA takes the necessary action against those who are abusing. Bulldowser and clean the mess please!!
F Spiteri
Jun 20th 2008, 14:09
The GONZIPN manifesto included a chapter dedicated to the environment, where, Dr Gonzi said, “a lot of work and investment has already been done, but where there is still a lot of work ahead.”
By any chance, with the words "investment" and "work", was Gonzi referring to more investment from our own taxes to accomodate further the families who are selfishly occupying Maltese public land?? Because in that case, I am in the same line of thought with A. Sciberras ... I'd better decide where to occupy my own land as this MUST be a right for me as well as a Maltese citizen just like Armier families are!!!!
A.Farrugia
Jun 20th 2008, 13:29
To A. Farrugia (not connection to me) - What a dumb question? What hidden agenda can the Ramblers have apart from a free countryside for all ? This is a non-political group dear A. Farrugia !
With the government allowing the Armier people to claim possession of the land they unlawfully took over, he (Mr. Gonzi) is partnering in this irregularity. The government has enough funds to compensate them some money, if a previous administration gave these land robbers some form of title. Expropriate the land back to the people or else let everyone claim his land as so they wish. I too voted PN for this last election and I feel betrayed and lied to when Gonzi used to talk about the environment in such a way as to show that a true effort is going to be done. Nothing to say about the MLP as for the years they were in government they simply let all the land robbers take over the land rather than stop them, so they are disgusting as well.
Noel Cutajar
Jun 20th 2008, 13:04
To-Let: Land with good views and ready to move into every five years. No need for any down payments just your vote...situated at Valletta, commonly known as Kastilja. This is how Malta works and let us say STOP!!!
M.Mallia
Jun 20th 2008, 12:51
I cannot believe what I read above. I have worked, saved, applied for a permit, paid all expenses and taxes to be able to have a summer residence. While these people have stolen our land, built illegally, ruined the environment and intead of making them pay for their crimes they seem to be rewarded. I still do not believe what I read but if it is true I would be very sorry to change my views on the government's enviornmental and justice credentials.
John A. Azzopardi
Jun 20th 2008, 12:33
To add insult to injury - these "Squatters" are selling their illegal summerhouses as if they had all the legal rights to sell their own property.
Could it be that the PM is safeguarding the interests of the "buyers". I do not think for one moment that these property transfers are registered with the departments concerned .... or ar they??
R Cassar
Jun 20th 2008, 11:55
Why does Mr Farrugia have to ask such a silly question? The Ramblers have EVERY RIGHT to criticize and ask questions about Armier. Their agenda is to put a stop to nice words before the election with no real action afterwords....stick to your guns Ramblers.
Dave Alan Caruana
Jun 20th 2008, 11:47
the strange thing is it took me 3 months to collect together all the papers for Mepa to give me a certificate to allow me to apply to Enemalta for power to my (perfectly legal) flat .. seems that illegal builders have it so much easier!
Enemalta won't install a new service without a Mepa Compliance Certificate, so I really wonder what sort of compliance illegal buildings would have ..
My application failed because aluminium railings hadn't yet been installed - I wonder what standards of the sort would apply to illegal buildings. Do they have to be colour coordinated?
crazy country .. where breaking laws gets you a pat on the back, and trying to abide by them results in expense and waste of time ..
Philip Calleja
Jun 20th 2008, 11:40
@ A. Farrugia
RAM's true colours are like those of every true Maltese who loves nature and the environment. In your case I have no doubt about your colour and blue-tinted agenda. The PN's sanctioning of the Armier shanty town just before the election is yet another scandalous example of the arrogance of power and the fear of losing that same power.
ALBERT FENECH
Jun 20th 2008, 11:28
@ A. Farrugia
So anybody who in any way criticises, or implies criticism of this Government, or the PM, must have a "secret agenda"? Take this further and say that all anti-Government and anti-PM criticism springs from a political bias. So if this Government decides to, for example, legalise abortion, I will have to agree because otherwise I could have "a secret agenda". Stretching the bounds of incredulity even further, I am supposed to congratulate the PM for allowing illegal land-grabbers to seize any piece of land they want to and call it their own. That's a fine state of affairs indeed. The next step is to establish the "War Veterans" society (as they have done in Zimbabwe) and go around the country seizing people's property and killing and beating all those who in any way oppose. Sometimes I really have to hold on to my seat to avoid the sensation that somehow, I am falling off this planet.
Anthony Camilleri
Jun 20th 2008, 11:25
I have already said it but I will repeat it again. Malta is at a point of no return as regards to the destruction of Maltese landscape (we have a lot of it by the way). Construction is King. Go ahead with ruining Xemxija, make my day!
Why does one need a hidden agenda? Malta belongs to both Blue and Red. So refrain politicising the issue.
Andrew Gatt
Jun 20th 2008, 11:23
And what about Birdlife? I recall an inflammatory booklet claiming that 80% of the countryside is "taken over" by hunters and trappers and inviting the Maltese to "reclaim their countryside". Well, dear Birdlife, the countryside in Armier sure has been reclaimed!! It's been turned into a whole new village!.
Why don't you print some more T-shirts - I suggest the slogan "Stop Illegal Year Round Squatting on Public Land" - and go and parade yourselves at Armier????? Don't forget your video cameras, don't forget to smear Malta all over the internet, don't forget to invite your foreign friends and finally, don't forget to take Malta to the European Courts of Justice. Oh yes - and when the court case is opened, do apply for interim measures as well!
Louis C. Spiteri
Jun 20th 2008, 11:23
In the Audit Report for the year 1988 it was reported as follows:
para 203. It has been established that Government land has been apppropriated without any lease agreements with the Land Department and, furthermore, permanent residential structures have been erected thereon, and others are in the course of construction at Ramla tat-Torri, limits of Mellieha, without the necessary authorisationh from the Planning Ares Permits Board. Furthermore, water and electricity facilities were extended to a number of such illegally erected premises.
para 204. Such unauthorised structures have mushroomed to such an extent that these are bound to harm the environment to the detriment of the ecology and tourism (AF 94/89).
Now, eighteen years later, one can see the effect of such reports being confined to the refuse bin. No wonder that, a year after the post of Auditor General become vacant, both Government and Opposition - in defiance of the Constitution - have failed to provide for the appointment of a new Auditor General and his Deputy.
harry borda
Jun 20th 2008, 11:23
Mr/s Ellis, I am sorry that you are disappointed by the PN now just a few days after being promised heaven on earth. You can take comfort from the fact that you are one of thousands who were fooled by these promises.
D.MANGION
Jun 20th 2008, 11:12
The impracticability of more golf courses. the unsustainability of the Hondoq ir-Rummien project, the oppostition to illegal boathouses (not just at Armier), are all issues that have been tackled by Alternattiva Demokratika since long ago.
Yet the Ramblers association never uttered a word of praise to Dr. Harry Vassallo and co.
However here they are.. praising Joseph Muscat for repeating what AD has been saying since forever.
It does sound like a bit hypocritical does it? When are we going to stop acting opportunistically ?
If only environmental NGO's had some some guts in their statements, then maybe Alternattiva would have some more strenght when spearheading the NGO's issues.
It used to be said, " workers of the World unite "
Now it's time to say, "authentic environmentalists of the World, unite"
A Farrugia
Jun 20th 2008, 11:07
Ramblers, why don't you show your true colors? While I am against any illegal occupation of people's land, may we know what is your hidden agendas?
A Sciberras
Jun 20th 2008, 10:57
If the Maltese citizen has the right to occupy land, so have I. I hope that Mepa or any one else want try to stop me once i have found that chosen land and begin to build my summerhouse there.
M. Ellis
Jun 20th 2008, 10:52
As an association, is it possible for the RAM to take the government to court for what is obviously a disgusting, unjust and illegal agreement? I voted PN in the last election and was very happy to finally have a PN claiming to protect our environment. These relevations have dissapointed many and I am sure the RAM will have the backing of many!