Ramblers call for zero tolerance in ODZs
The Maltese islands will risk losing its countryside and coastal zone for ever unless zero tolerance in ODZs is urgently and rigidly enforced, the president of the Malta Ramblers Association, Lino Bugeja, has warned.
Speaking during the annual general meeting of the association at the Hotel Phoenicia in Floriana on Saturday, Mr Bugeja said accessibility to the countryside and coastal zones was still a major obstacle to the enjoyment of the unique natural environment. The association endorsed the recommendations submitted by the National Commission for Sustainable Development for the Maltese Islands (2006-2016) regarding the enjoyment of coastal areas.
One of the commission's recommendations is that places that combine leisure with the natural environment could be a source of improved health and, therefore, accessibility to such places should be improved.
The commission also calls for the identification of footpaths in the countryside, the checking of false claims to land title and the opening of paths abusively closed to the public.
The ramblers expressed satisfaction that the first steps have been taken by the Land Department to implement these recommendations in line with all countries in the EU and it is preparing a petition in this regard.
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a attard
Feb 11th 2009, 20:13
Well done Ramblers. You are doing a great service to the country. This country is becoming one horrible building zone espesially as houses and gardens make way to appartment blocks. People demand to have their countryside protected once and for all and also parks to be earmarked in the vicinity of the congested areas and not having to drive to Ta' Qali 'National Park'. Each and every Maltese citizen have a right to enjoy open spaces as we have watched area after area in so many locations giving way to development even when not needed considering so many dwellings are EMPTY. Life is not all about garages, doors, balconies and tarmac but much more - my admiration goes to Fliemkien ghal ambjent ahjar too for their tireless campaign well done - Malta needs people like you. Future generations will be grateful at your stance
Lisa Galea
Feb 11th 2009, 13:51
Donatella Vella you are incorrect not all land in ODZ belongs to the public. Many areas in ODZ zones belong to private owners who have been waiting for years to have their property included in a scheme. These private owners had bought land out of their own pockets with out burdening the system or the tax payer and had to take out loans and buy alternative accomodation. People like you want to enjoy these people's land. And they just have to watch others enjoying their hard earned land because of status quo. Kindly do not use sweeping statements when you do not know what you are talking about. Perhaps you are not aware but some people have been given permits outside schemes without any services and others are waiting to be including in schemes where services are present.
Donatella Vella
Feb 11th 2009, 10:34
I fully agree with this recommendations. Countryside should be left available for the public's pleasure. Though measures should be done to keep it as tidy as possible. Abuse on the public's property should definitely be banned and if necessary fined.
Proset Ramblers.