Updated: MEPA moves in on Gnejna caravans

D Camilleri

Jun 10th 2009, 09:08

This is STUPID!!! It only benefits the owners of the ILLEGAL boathouses who can now park some 20 cars closer to their precious land!! They weren't even in the car park - they were in no man's land and not on public land (the real owners couldn't be bothered). Believe me - I've been to Gnejna and these caravan owners clean up after the other stupid people who put their garbage in a plastic bag and leave it on the beach, not bothering to move a few metres to throw in the bins. The only ones who annoyed me were those who expected no-one to pass too close to their caravan - but that would be only about a caravan or two each summer, ie the absolute minority!!!

Romina Farrugia

Jun 9th 2009, 21:07

min ma jilhaqx l gheneb ghid li hu qares kieku ghandi jien caravan quddiem kastilja immur nikampja

Joan Stivala

Jun 9th 2009, 19:04

Jiena fl-opinjoni tieghi nahseb li l-caravans ghandu jkollhom caravan site u mhux jigu trattati ta kriminali. Min jaffordja jkollu caravan ghalfejn ma ghandux ikollu wiehed. L-unika raguni li nista nsib hi forsi biex ma tugghu qalbu hadd???? X'KUMBINAZZJONI....WARA L-ELEZZJONI EZATT BDEJNA NIEHDU PASSI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DALWAQT NIGU MALTA KOLLHA MINGHAJR HADD MA JISTA' JKOLLU HOBBY.....Kulhadd irid jispicca joghqod id-dar jahdem is-suf jew jilghab bil-kompjuter jumejn ohra....U EJJA COME ON!!!!!!

B Sant

Jun 9th 2009, 17:34

i find it hard to say well done to MEPA but here it goes WELL DONE - these squatters make the bay look so shabby and ugly. but now for political correctness sake hope that Joseph would approve such actions and together with Gonzi they go to Gharmier and clear the big fish over there.
Then i would say that a new coalition started to co exist --- am i dreaming?

John Schembri

Jun 9th 2009, 16:41

Not that I agree with the squatters, on the contrary, but why does this happen the day after the election? If this is a measure of things to come I dread the next four years of extreme arrogance of a party in power for 20 years which must go sooner rather than later. A party with nothing to lose. Just watch it happen.

tabone c

Jun 9th 2009, 15:45

Every Body said well done, and to do the same for other places. Good. Can somebody answer this question? Why does the government let importers to import caravans and a particular vendor organises a tent fair for peple to see and buy if there is no place (except a private one) where to erect camps and park caravans?

J.Spiteri

Jun 9th 2009, 13:53

Well done, what about St Thomas bay, we have the same problem, we got about 30 caravans, some of them have erected an enclosure, so people can't approach the beach area, we have seen humane waste in the sea.
We took some British friends over Munxar and they where appalled by this site.

We complained to the Authorities, they have acknowledged the email but had no further response from them.
Come on take action about this situation

Nathalie Vella

Jun 9th 2009, 13:43

FINALLY! Thanks to eveyrone who was involved in this..

These caravan owners were a danger to everyone - they're loud, they throw all their rubbish away in the sea and have made a mess out of this beloved bay. To add insult to injury last year one of the owners even got a mini quad bike for his 5 YEAR OLD child who was driving around in the parking space. People had to swerve their cars away as this obnoxious child kept driving in everyone's way

Again THANK YOU!!!

Charles Sammut

Jun 9th 2009, 13:15

I visited Gnejna bay a couple of weeks ago on a weekend evening. It was like a favela. Absolutely disgusting.

As for the parker, what is his role? On what grounds does he demand payment? He is not responsible for security, all parking bays are marked, so what is his function?

M.Attard

Jun 9th 2009, 13:07

St.Thomas Bay next please?

J Gatt

Jun 9th 2009, 13:00

Great News re MEPA move regarding caravans in Gnejna Bay.
Maybe MEPA would like to move in on the caravans at the waters edge at St.Thomas Bay now before it gets 100% full by next week.

J Farrugia

Jun 9th 2009, 12:11

Joe Caruana if the parker is giving you a hard time then boot him and send him packing. He has no authority whatsoever. If he bothers you, report him. No one is above the law.

A Galea

Jun 9th 2009, 11:45

The election has passed now. Maybe they will re-remove the Bahar ic- Caghaq caravans which they re-installed 2 weeks ago?

Emanuel Cilia debono

Jun 9th 2009, 11:38

Squatters have no right to arrogate for themselves publicly owned land and so deprive ordinary people from the enjoyment of the few natural beauty spots, which remain relatively untouched by development. MEPA and the Parliamentary secretary are doing the right thing. Providing properly serviced sites against rental payments for caravan owners is another matter.
One would expect MEPA to take an equally tough stand against others, including developers, who mar the environment by setting up unauthorised structures illegally elsewhere.

David Borg

Jun 9th 2009, 11:30

If the government respected private property as much as their own property they could actually take the high moral ground when evicting squatters. In fact the government, (both parties) will take your land and not give you anything for it. Land owners on the Zabbar Marsascala bypass have had land taken from them only last week with no notification and no compensation. Laws regarding land have to be universal for everyone otherwise they will never be respected by individuals or governments....

Dennis Mark Gauci

Jun 9th 2009, 11:22

Finally !!!!!!!!!!! After removing the caravans other two important steps need to be done.

1) Distribute evenly all the sand throughout all the beach and remove all the pebbles and rocks.
2) Call the army and tell them that tomorrow they will train at Gnejna. Tell them to bring all battle tanks (if we have any) and heavy weapons so they will train on all those illegal "boat houses" which are an eyesore for all the bay.

Some of them have even electricity and potable water. I think lately MEPA gave permission to install metres!! My question is this!! What happens to the organic waste of all the people? If you are swimming at Gnejna keep your eyes open!!!!

Joe Morana

Jun 9th 2009, 11:14

Good job MEPA. How about the the Armier and St Thomas Bay illegal 'rooms' and the ugly container- like structure right on Marsamxetto bastion in Valletta served with a MEPA Enforcemtent Notice in Februay 2009?

Joe Caruana

Jun 9th 2009, 11:10

I never go swimming at Gnejna; first because it is occupied by the caravan owners and secondly because of the parker. Isn't he also occupying public land and also making a large profit all tax free. If you don't park where he tells you (within the public parking bays) you will shortly see the wardens coming straight for your car. Coincidence?

John Carmel Navarro

Jun 9th 2009, 11:06

I agree with the removal of all structures/caravans which are parked or sited illegally. I do not see a political argument as to whether it should have been done before, the time is now and the action is correct. However as mentioned already it would be marvellous if MEPA can come up with an alternative, proper maintained sites which would be made available at a cost to all those who do enjoy an outdoor life. The world over you would find proper sites, so why not in Malta?

C Galea

Jun 9th 2009, 11:06

Election or not life must go on...business as usual.

I believe these people were already notified by MEPA last year, but remained stubborn and camped again this year to the dismay of many Gnejna visitors. It is easy to find a beauty spot by the sea and usurp it until September to the dertiment of others who want to use it for a few hours but cannot do so because of those others above the law. In this case the rule of law must prevail, and gonzipn or not, MEPA did well.

As regards to alternatives, there is a well organised caravan site in a nearby bay (against a nominal fee). I also believe the Governement must solve this problem permanently. This is one area where the smily PM should feel the sentiment of the people. These people have been promised campsites in Bahar ic-Caghaq and Armier for years. This issue should now be prioritised...and before the next election.

N.Calleja

Jun 9th 2009, 10:57

I simply cannot understand how some of us reason things out. Instead of praising the authority for taking such bold steps, they call the government 'arrogant'. They seem to think that the whole of Malta is theirs.Others threaten the government with elections. No wonder that the PL gains ground because they never present solutions to these problems. Are they in favour of such moves or is it convenient to sit on the perck and gain votes

Steve Sant

Jun 9th 2009, 10:54

I agree with a fellow blogger, give the people an alternative, yes remove the caravans from the inapproriate place and give them a decent alternative. Agreed, not everyone can afford the Summer Villa / farmhouse or Yacht. Another point another blogger pointed out was for a race track, a decent one. Its better than using Sliema front or Ta'Qali road (besides the airport) to race on the road. Don't make comparisons please with anything esle or you'll make yourself look like an ass.

M.Spiteri

Jun 9th 2009, 10:50

Ok ok....I cannot congratulate the authorities enough for removing the illegal caravan site. Thumbs up! But what about the Armier thriving illegal town? Par idejn sodi? What we expect is accountability not promises promises (mostly un-kept). Malta needs a tough Prime Minister who fights abuse, corruption and cheek. We wait and see.

Emmanuel Azzopardi

Jun 9th 2009, 10:43

Well done and about time. Next in line should be l-Armier and l-Ghadira shanty towns. These seem to be untouchable and as if it is their absolutely right.

Lorraine Vella

Jun 9th 2009, 10:40

fl-ahhar! now lets hope that other illegal structures are removed. let us all enjoy the beaches we have... and in the meantime hope that beaches which were given to hotels & entitities (or they took illegally) are given back to the public, for all to enjoy.

C.Vella

Jun 9th 2009, 10:17

Bhal tal glekk, tghamel x'tghamel dejjem hazin.

Joseph R Aquilina

Jun 9th 2009, 10:12

Excellent - and St Thomas Bay? and elsewhere? When?

j borg

Jun 9th 2009, 09:55

So according to you, we should build a race track for all the speed freaks in malta...or open pot bars for junkies...that's the alternative? U Hallina! Just stop critisising everything and talk sense.

Edward Mizzi

Jun 9th 2009, 09:55

Jason Azzopardi issued an application for permit at a new site which at the moment is pending from authorization at MEPA. He also offered the Burmarrad site as a temporary caravan site for this summer until MEPA process the authorization from their side. This was all broadcast on the news and also advised the caravan owners with this decision and some still prefer to camp illegally. How absurd!!!

vincent busuttil

Jun 9th 2009, 09:47

well done, now is the time to take action. Every one knows his duties and his rights.

Joss Galea

Jun 9th 2009, 09:46

"Why this arrogance, why are we being treated like criminals, we have done nothing wrong," ....It is wrong to occupy (steal) a public space and make it yours, and no one can use it but you!!

A Vella

Jun 9th 2009, 09:44

Good thing to do, but maybe should have been done before?

R. Borg

Jun 9th 2009, 09:40

They will find a spot @ Bahar ic-Caghaq...

Go see how 'mobile' the caravans will be...all of them making cement platforms and rocks to build on!

SHAME!

dusty williams

Jun 9th 2009, 09:35

Jiena naqbel ma dan izda ghax ma marrux qabel l-elezzjoni kif qal dak is-sinjur?

Il-MEPA mad-dghajjef taqbad, ara ma min ghamel sfregju shih go wied biex jibni farmhouse dak orrajt inhalluh. Komplu sejrin hekk.

L Buhagiar

Jun 9th 2009, 09:34

@ DR Caruana

Kompli ghazaq fl-ilma GonziPN. Kompli ghazaq ghax qieghe jipprotegi l-art ghalijja u ghalik. Xi tridu jaghmel; ihalli l-kullhadd jokkupa art publika bl-addocc u kullhadd jikser il-ligi kif irid. Hekk ser taghmlu intom jekk xi darba titilghu.

Pierre Borg

Jun 9th 2009, 09:29

Two ways,two measures, that is MEPAs policy. Gonzi ,that smile on your face during the press conference has sealed all doubts in our minds of what will be your faith in the next election. I just hope our party will remove you and put Simon Busuttil instead as he is much more suitable. Thanks Eddie for refusing the latter to contest for party leader. We can say that we inherited an Alfred Sant now. My vote did go to Simon and continued on Labour and I am proud of it. What a shame to have Casa as an MEP.

D. Abdilla

Jun 9th 2009, 09:28

D.R Caruana what are you talking about? Can you enlighten us?

Those Caravans and all the Garages are ruining the natural ambient in one of Malta's best beaches.

Good job.

Colin Camilleri

Jun 9th 2009, 09:27

issa nispera ma jigix Gonzi u jghid li din kienet "kumbinazzjoni" li l-MEPA gew ftit wara l-elezzjonijiet u mhux ftit qabel!!!!
nitfa rasi taht mannara illi ma ndumux ma naraw zidiet fil-prezzijiet tad-dawl, fuel, gas u affarijiet ohra fil-jiem jew ftit gimghat li gejjin.
issa l-bozoz "low energy" nistghu ninsuhom, issa l-elezzjonijiet ghaddew!!!!
iva qed narawa diga l-medicina li Gonzi semma fuq it-TV......

r ferriggi

Jun 9th 2009, 09:21

this is waht is fundamentally wrong with this government;

it does the right thing ( remove illegally set-up people in other people's property) BUT THEN IT FAILS TO GIVE THEM A REASONABLE SOLUTION.

example build two or three official caravan sites in malta and another two in gozo. GIVE THE PEOPLE AN ALTERNATIVE.

not everyone has a yacht or a boat or can go on holidays abroad ( or has a summer house!!!)

A Camilleri

Jun 9th 2009, 09:19

Jaghzaq fl-ilma ghax qed isir sforz li tigi rispetata l-ligi?

Ara veru f'dal-pajjiz taghmel x'taghmel taqlaghha dejjem........

P_ Attard

Jun 9th 2009, 09:18

"we have done nothing wrong"...the cheek!!

Vicki Azzopardi

Jun 9th 2009, 09:13

Keep up the good work. These illegal occupants must go.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Jun 9th 2009, 09:12

Good job...

Mistra next?

J Farrugia

Jun 9th 2009, 09:05

Yes this is the proper thing to do. Action. Remove squatters and no excuses. They are occupying land which is not theirs and they do not pay anything. These are arrogant and selfish and want to do what they want and then shout abuse at the political class. Yes this action must go on wherever and on whoever abuses public land or even abandoned private property. Malta must never give these cowboys leeway just because they have the money. Arrogance must be stopped.

MT Caruana

Jun 9th 2009, 08:52

Uppssss ergajna.....kompli ghazaq fl-ilma Gonzipn...

J Oatmon

Jun 9th 2009, 08:48

Because no one has objected in the past, does not make these 'occupations' in some way legal - there are always excuses by those who do things illegally, it is always the case.

The authorities must act forcibly but within the law, to reclaim the public spaces and amenities 'taken over' by these illegal occupations, by various groups of people.