Abusive encroachment

I refer to the letter by George G. Debono titled The Streets And Squares As Social Places (December 13).

This office has verified information that the accident prior to the enforcement actions did in fact take place. Just because it was not reported to the police, it doesn't lessen its importance. Furthermore, the Government Property Division is obliged to take action whenever an infringement is verified, independently of whether an accident occurs or not.

In his letter the correspondent gives the impression that the Government Property Division is against a café culture and al fresco dining. This couldn't be further from the truth. It is noteworthy that it is the very same Government Property Division together with the MTA and Mepa that issue encroachment permits and agreements, thus allowing restaurant owners to encroach onto public land for this purpose. Hence, every enforcement action taken in connection with tables and chairs encroachment is shouldered by both the Government Property Division and MTA.

What the division is against is the abuse and illegal encroachment on public land. Hundreds of restaurants around Malta and Gozo have perfectly legal permits allowing them to use pavements and promenades adequately as extensions to their establishments. As long as these extensions are covered by the pertinent legal framework, they have the GPD's blessing. The GPD, however, cannot tolerate the encroachment onto public property without a permit and on a primitive first-come-first-served basis. The illegal and unregulated encroachment onto public land often limits access and creates hazards.

If an establishment owner feels the pavement or promenade in front of his/her restaurant can afford a further extension to their encroachment permit they can easily apply for it legally and would be considered by the authorities. Simply taking over fresh land by placing extra tables and chairs will not be tolerated.