Campaign to lower high rubble walls starts

A campaign to lower rubble walls exceeding the permissible height has been launched by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the Rural Affairs Ministry.

During the budget debate, Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino had said high walls were denying people their proper enjoyment of the countryside.

Rubble walls between Għar Lapsi and Ħaġar Qim, found to be higher than the permissible limit of 1.2 metres, were yesterday lowered by government workers, in spite of the rain.

A ministry spokesman said the owners of the rubble walls were notified of the enforcement action. But when the workers turned up yesterday morning, some were protesting loudly.

The stone removed from the walls will be deposited in a quarry or will be recycled for use in future government projects, the spokesman said.

The Ramblers' Association expressed its full support in the action taken.

A spokesman said the association was willing to help the authorities in preserving the countryside.