New campaign will rid countryside of major eyesores
The government, in association with local councils and MEPA, is to launch a campaign to finally rid the streets and the countryside of derelict cars, buses and other eyesores.
The campaign is being coordinated by the Secretariat for Public Dialogue.
Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said said his secretariat had grouped the joint committees of the local councils, the ADT, MEPA and the Cleansing Department for the campaign.
The local councils had been asked to identify and photograph the objects which they would like to see removed and the process will now be taken in hand by the central government.
Dr Said said the photographs submitted by the councils showed a large number of abandoned buses, cars, trailers, cement mixers, boats and other large metal objects littering the countryside and some streets. Some had been there for as long as 40 years and were a veritable museum, he said.
The problem appeared to be especially acute in the areas around Marsaxlokk and Zurrieq.
Dr Said said that eyesores dumped on private fields would also be removed.
The owners would first receive a notice giving them 16 days to remove the eyesore and directing them how they can do so, failing which the Cleansing Department will move in. Owners will then be given a further three days within which to reclaim their property – and pay the removal costs, failing which the items will be scrapped.
Dr Said said the councils had to date been unable to handle this exercise on their own, not just for reasons of costs, but because they could not dispose of the large items once they were removed.
The operation will start in the coming weeks, taking in a number of localities at the same time.
As part of the exercise, MEPA will also clamp down on illegal scrapyards and other abuse.
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Vicki Soler
Oct 23rd 2008, 15:02
Surely the majority of the population agree on such a good campaign. Keep up the good work. Prosit to Chris Said and Jason Azzopardi
M D Fenech
Oct 23rd 2008, 13:30
Eyesores? This morning I saw a tourist point her finger at an illegal scrapyard at B'Bugia. And what about the scrapyard across the valley from Ghar Dalam?
J.Borg
Oct 23rd 2008, 13:25
Good to hear that action is taken to clear eyesores.
Coming to people dumping rubbish and cigarette ends.
I am still appalled that not a single local council, nor the government have installed bins filled with suitable material so that smokers can put the cigarette ends when finish.
Surely this will help.
I am not a smoker, but surely this will help if these are placed in specific area...to mention some near bus stops, along pedestrian areas in Valletta. Barakka gardens.
Olina Tretyak
Oct 23rd 2008, 07:55
Marcel Dingli made a point.
What about some cars and boats, which can not be repaired, which stay at private land for 40 years and "constitute an eyesore" to neighbors and inspectors, may be the same items some years more will constitute an antique piece of cars exhibition, which could survive thanks to the owner, who contributed his piece of land to keep it all those years.
Why things like cars and boats and jets must be behind closed doors on the private lands? Do they affect public moral? Another story if field is licensed to use land for farming/planting. Then yes, damped cars can not occupy the private land, licensed for planting vegetables. But if land is private with no special license how to use it...This is the matter of taste, but not the matter of law.
M Borg
Oct 23rd 2008, 07:02
I fully agree with Toni Bajada and Marcel Dingli.
Yes, some "contractors"/businessmen are above the law! That site in Manikata is really an eyesore, and Dr Said can have a look at it if he takes the Manikata road when going back home!
I fully agree with this proposal to clean up the countryside, but owners have rights on their private property! What is being ridiculous in this country is that Mr X can illegally built a store on private property where to park his Mercedes and his luxury boat, and Mr Y only has a field where to park his "kajjik" in Winter. Mr Y is the one who is picked on!
And yes, what about those green wooden 'boxes' at Ghadira Bay?! Are they built up on private grounds???
Charles Sammut
Oct 21st 2008, 19:29
The road along the Victoria Lines from Targa Gap to Falka Gap (Mgarr road) is the unoffical Mosta dump. Unfortunately is is part of the scenic route recommended to tourists for walks.
Just look at the convenience!
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x5/ultralemony/seatwithaview.jpg
Manuel Mifsud
Oct 21st 2008, 18:35
@Marcel Dingli
Nice joke, now you are being funny by stating that at this rate the government will soon dictate to us what food we keep in the fridge.
Let's thank God and pray for Chris Said and Jason Azzopardi to keep up the job for the benefit of all of us,
Francois Spiteri
Oct 21st 2008, 18:21
At long last... How about starting from the ADT scrapyard near the police garage... Cannot understand how ADT has no respect for the country's fortifications.
Randolph Peresso
Oct 21st 2008, 18:00
@ Marcel Dingli
As long as you keep it in a place where it is not seen, as in a garage, for example, and as long as it is not dangerous to your own health and of others, you may do whatever you want! But if it an eyesore or dangerous, than the government has the obligation to clear it away and fine you!!! Isn't this obvious?!!!!!!!
A. Saliba
Oct 21st 2008, 17:57
I agree with Mr. Dingli. Removing eyesores from public land is definitely necessary and Chris Said should undoubtedly be applauded, but forcing people to remove vehicles or whatever from their private property is taking it a step to far. What I do with my private property is my business, as long as what I'm doing isn't potentially harmful to others.
Marcel Dingli
Oct 21st 2008, 17:49
@ Alex Ellul
NO !!! Neither the public nor you neither the government nor anyone has a right over private property unless stipulated by law.
Anna Ellul
Oct 21st 2008, 17:41
prost Dr Said - Keep it up. Why not set up an email address where public can send photos of such eyesores with a description of where they are?
@ Marcel Dingli - one's right to private property needs to be balanced with the obligation to others. You should not be able to impose your bad taste or your waste on others. Do what you like behind closed doors (so long as it is not of any dangers to others health and safety) but the external view of your properly affects all. That is why properties should not be permitted to be left in shell form and if anything one should be obliged to keep the external of one's property looking good.
Speaking of eyesores - can someone please remove that monstrosity of a phallic like monument that is situated on one of Luqa's roundabouts. It is downright embarrassing and God only knows what it cost!. Whoever purchased it has no sense of taste. The garden effect for our roundabouts works well. Sadly our roundabouts have become are only gardens so let's keep them this way rather than make them a sore of embarrassment too.
Marcel Dingli
Oct 21st 2008, 17:28
@ Franco Farrugia
Dont be funny !!! We all know it is illegal to hoard fireworks. Also illegal to have a scrapyard without permits. However there is a limit to what the Government is allowed to do. If I had a piece of land why can't I keep a truck on it or a boat ? If we keep on going at this rate the Government will be dictating to us what food we keep in our fridge.
Marcel Dingli
Oct 21st 2008, 17:21
@ Alex Ellul
Well, to me the monument at Spinola is an eyesore. What constitutes an eyesore ? Please answer. I am not against cleaning up of public areas but encroachment of private property can cause serious repercussions.
Victor Dimech
Oct 21st 2008, 17:19
Well done how about the entrance to Valletta isnt that the biggest eyesore?Afew days ago some hawkers were removed but they are back selling all kinds of clothes depending on season.And what about the old theatre site if we cannot build it for the time being why not turn it into a small garden with space for outdoor activitise.
Charles Micallef
Oct 21st 2008, 16:55
At last some more encouraging news along with land repossessing
The long awaited 'beginning 'to tidy Malta is on the go,
Let us all hope that we want stop till the job is complete and then come down with heavy fines to anyone who dares spoil our environment ! again!
Francesca Abela
Oct 21st 2008, 16:27
Good show. Keep up the good work.
What about those horrid green huts (?) at Ghadira Bay ? Are they being left there ?
Also on the way near Bahar ic-Caghaq amongst the shrubs/trees there is a stone hut complete with stone verandahs, etc. and another at the back. They are not very visible but they are there.
For justice's sake wherever there are illegal structures these should ALL be dismantled.
Government could build proper camping sites, complete with all sanitary facilities, etc. and whoever wants to camp out should pay a sum for occupying the space. This is done abroad. As far as I know overseas no one just camps without having to pay some sort of rental.
Alex Ellul
Oct 21st 2008, 16:27
@Marcel Dingli: an eyesore is an eyesore immaterial whether it's in my, your or public property. The public has a right to a clean and healthy environment. Prosit Mr. Said and the other entities. M Dingli, your comments are not positive and constructive at all.
C Psaila
Oct 21st 2008, 16:06
How about getting rid of the two illegal scrapyards in Bbuga? Are they above the law?
Steve Rogers
Oct 21st 2008, 16:03
Under the Environment Protection Act, owners are served an Enforcement Order to clean up. Failure to comply results in court proceedings. Under the Development Act owners are given an Enforcement Notice wherein they can request sanctioning within 16days therefore stalling the process.
This is a requirement in order to uphold one's constitutional rights and protect the citizen from overzealous authorities who think they can bypass the Courts of Malta and due process!
While there is a need for a general clean up it should be under the supervision of the laws of Malta to guarantee that abuses do not occur
Denis Catania
Oct 21st 2008, 15:47
Due to the high prices of steel, you don't even see that in the worst ghettos on the U.S. The owner can make money cleaning that up. With today's steel prices.
Franco Farrugia
Oct 21st 2008, 15:45
@ Marcel Dingli - Your point is a valid one, in the sense that it should be discussed. The way I see it is this: you have a right to your private property AS LONG AS within that private property, there is nothing which is of danger to your neighbours, the community in which the property is.
So, by your statement, it is all right for me to hoard fireworks and dangerous material - because it is my private property. Do you agree with that statement, now? I wonder.
Wilfred L Camilleri
Oct 21st 2008, 15:39
How about removing the burnt-out car in the Fort St. Elmo ditch? It's been there for years.
Marcel Dingli asked "What constitutes an eyesore?" Well, abounded, rusted, and broken-down cars and other vehicles, construction equipment, etc. that cannot be repaired to reused. It's better to recycle these items then leaving them in plain sight. It's another story if these are located on private property and cannot be seen -nsuch as in walled compounds or in garages or warehouses.
J. Borg
Oct 21st 2008, 15:00
For a starter pay a visit to the historic fort at Mistra which has been taken over by fish farm operators .
Then take a look around the sea - and assess the pollution generated by such fish farms so close to the shore.
MEPA wake up.
Vincent Galea
Oct 21st 2008, 14:58
To help our environment you don't have to be rich, political, or an environmental expert in order to do it. After all, if we don't take care of our Malta who's going to? Are we going to leave it to our children and grandchildren ?
The who is you, the where is right where you and I live, the when is NOW.
john fenech
Oct 21st 2008, 14:50
Chris Said is providing a very valid contribution to the nation. Keep it up but please ensure that this service will be an ongoing and supervised exercise.
Toni Bajada
Oct 21st 2008, 14:42
This all sounds good.
However, passing from the road going from Manikata to Mellieha, I couldn't help noticing that the illegal mound of rocks and earth being used by a developer to mix concrete right on the side of the road is still there.
This has been reported a multitude of times by different newspapers, etc for the past few months but it's not been removed.
These things make me doubt the effectiveness of such campaigns. The government seems very determined to do this when no developers or other powerful entities are involved.
Marcel Dingli
Oct 21st 2008, 14:39
I still consider private property as private property. What constitutes an eyesore ?
Paul Agius
Oct 21st 2008, 14:39
Just in case they missed it, at Mosta not far from the cemetery, were used to be the factory selling flower / plants known as "Ta' Sparks" would also need a cleanout (land adjacent to "Flower Power" on the road to Mosta)
Joseph J Mifsud
Oct 21st 2008, 14:37
This action ,together with that taken by the Parliamentary Secretary Hon Dr Jason Azzopardi re abuse of government land is a very praiseworthy one. The public should encourage such action and spur the authorities to drive such initiatives home right through to the finish. PROSIT.
Jason Muscat
Oct 21st 2008, 14:33
I can confirm that this issue is a frequent occurrence in Zurrieq, where a considerable number of undeveloped plots serve as scrapyards with cranes, vans, cars and mostly disused construction related machinery. The local council is totally helpless in handling this situation which has become a major nuisance in this once quaint village.
apgrech
Oct 21st 2008, 14:32
@Marcel Dingli: Fundamental right to private property is not a licence to keep the private property full of scrap and create an eyesore. Clearing of private properties should be chared back to the owners.
H Dempster
Oct 21st 2008, 13:46
Good show Chris.
R Sammut
Oct 21st 2008, 13:44
I hope something is done about the illegal 'rooms' built by bird trappers.
A couple of Sundays ago I was at Bahar ic Caghaq, near the old ITS (Martin Luther Hall) and there were a number of trappers. If you go for a walk, there are a number or PUBLIC property which you cannot walk at , as they bully you!
Marcel Dingli
Oct 21st 2008, 13:38
Clearing of eyesores is ok, but what of the fundamental right to private property ??