Marfa Tower reclaimed from squatters
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.
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Franco Farrugia
Sep 5th 2008, 15:25
My first point: Up to some years ago, this tower was used in summer by religious orders that had orphanages.
Second point: What about reclaiming vast lands which are being held by squatters in so many different parts of our country? For instance, Mellieha zones (there are various!!!) as well as zones in St Thomas Bay! While we are at it, Gnejna area ..... how about it?
jimmy magro
Sep 5th 2008, 14:17
The above mentioned process was intiated following a request by the Local Councils' Association that proposed the conversion of the Marfa Tower into a youth hostel. Following email and verbal agreement with PS Dr. Jason Azzopardi, the LCA prepared a business plan that was submitted to the PS on Friday 29th August in the morning. By late afternoon the Government had withdrawn the approval as some other Government Minister had spotted the twoer after many years of neglect. The Association had nearly completed an application to be submitted to PPCD for EU funds under a current call for tourism project by NGO's.
I must admit I was impressed by the swift approach adopted by PS Dr. Jason Azzopardi, who went out of his way to make it possible for us to have the tower for only one week, since approval was received on the previous Saturday.
As much as I was impressed, I was more disappointed that the project was withdrawn by Government; when this renovation could have been done by an NGO through EU funds. Whereas other projects are being privatised, Marfa Tower has been nationalised.
My personal week-long work to prepare PPCD application and business plan: wind blown
Noel Enriquez
Sep 5th 2008, 12:30
What about bahar ic-caghaq, Ghajn Tuffieha barracks (which are in a shemeful state!), all ILLEGAL buildings in Armier, little armier and the rest of the coastline?? Is the law there for all to adhere to? Or is it meant for those that stuck by the law, did not erect a building on public land, or just found a vacant building, stuck a door and a lock and made it theirs? Why are people who observe the law the ones who are treated unfairly? If it's illegal squatting they should be kicked out,.. On the other hand, if the building is built illegaly (like for instance in armier) it should be knocked down and the site is to be returned to it's original condition, where the person who 'owns' the illegal building is to pay for all the expenses incurred! John was right, Pajjiz Tal-Mickey Mouse!!
Jeremy J Camilleri
Sep 5th 2008, 12:01
Very good work.
I do wonder however, what difference between these squatters and the squatters who made a deal with the Prime Minster to legalise their position on the eve of the elections.
different weights a?
Emanuel Vella
Sep 5th 2008, 10:38
Excellent news for us honest, hard working citizens who pay for all that we consume.
Next on the list, the squatters at the former Ghajn Tuffieha barracks who have also made the place their own.............
P Muscat
Sep 5th 2008, 10:24
Well done. Next are the boathouses at Bahar Ic-Caghaq behind the Splash and Fun Park. Lets get moving please........
D. A . Agius
Sep 5th 2008, 09:24
IT's about time that government buildings and LANDS are reclaimed.
However, have we prepared ourselves for how we are going to use the building reclaimed? Although squatters abuse of the buildings, they might as well be doing some maintenance, whihc, if the building is left abandoned without use, will soon fall in the face of the elements!