The government has reclaimed the Marfa Tower, which has been occupied by squatters for several years, after an eviction order was issued and the "heavily vandalised" building was sealed off.

The red-tinged tower will be used for the benefit of the public but details will be revealed at a later stage, a spokesman for the parliamentary secretariat responsible for revenues and land said.

This is in line with the plans of Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi who is working to ensure that public buildings are reclaimed from illegal occupants and put to good use, the spokesman said.

Last week, the Government Property Division posted eviction notices on the tower's eight doors giving squatters 48 hours to remove their belongings.

Officials from the Lands Department went on site on Tuesday, when most objects had been removed. The officials who found discarded items inside changed the door locks to protect the building against further vandalism and keep squatters out.