Thursday, 8th January 2009

Campaign to lower high rubble walls starts

Photo: Jason Borg.

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.

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Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Sunday, November 22, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

A. Buttigieg (on 8/1/09)

Nice way how to protect the environment !!! Kollox kontra nghamlu. Now will the farmers be fined for not re-building the walls? Did we forget what private property is? This is worse than USSR and KMB put together. Why is PN, which once was supposed to be "our" Party, pushing us into Labour's arms?

John Cassar (on 8/1/09)

The walls along the road that from Naxxar takes you to Salina should be next. Some trees can be planted instead

Joe Falzon (on 8/1/09)

Drivers are more concerned not to drive through numerous potholes in these secondary street, than enjoying the view.

I agree with lowering of rubble walls, but let us fix the streets once and for all.

M Grech (on 8/1/09)

I believe that Malta is the only country in the world (or one of the very few) that roads are lined with high walls on either side, depriving car passengers (especially tourists) from views of our countryside. This is a good move.

B.Farrugia (on 8/1/09)

Maybe due to the fact that the one on the photo isn't a rubble wall!

lgalea (on 8/1/09)

Joe Camilleri
You are right.
That was exactly what was shown on TV.

Joe Camilleri (on 8/1/09)

from the picture, the rubble wall does not seem to be lowered but demolished.