Video: Inspectors clearing Bahar Ic-Caghaq 'campsite'

Inspectors from the Government Property Division and MEPA escorted by a large contingent of policemen, have started clearing structures at an illegal campsite at Bahar ic-Caghaq.

The operation started at about 7.30 a.m. Earth movers are demolishing walls and rooms while a crane is lifting old caravans onto a trailer.

The owners of the structures - from brick rooms to caravans - were warned on Monday that the area is to be cleared because they have no title to occupy the land.

Some 110 structures have occupied the site. Many of the owners started removing their caravans themselves over the past two days, while calling for an officially designated site. Others were this morning quickly emptying their rooms.

A small crowd looked on as the officials started their operation but there was no incident. The Police Commissioner was among senior police officers on the site.

The site has been occupied for almost 20 years. Some of the tenants said they were sent there from Qalet Marku by the government of the time. The Government Property Division insists, however, this was never an officially designated campsite and no rents were paid for occupation of the land.

The Government Property Division has launched a campaign against the abusive occupation of government properties, clamping down on bar owners who exceed their encroachment conditions by blocking pavements with tables and chairs, and removing squatters from various buildings.