Caravans removed from Ghadira site
Officials from the Lands Department and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) are removing caravans occupying land without permission near Mellieha Bay Hotel.
The operation started earlier today, with most of the caravans being quickly removed by their owners as soon as the officials, escorted by policemen, arrived.
It is the second such operation this month, after the removal of caravans from private land at Gnejna.
In a related operation, officials from the Lands Department and the Malta Tourism Authority this morning started a series of spot checks at Ghadira among holders of encroachment permits in order to ensure that conditions are being observed.
A spokesman said the aim of the exercise was to help the permit holders understand the conditions of their permits, and to respect them.
For example, he said, the owners were being told exactly up to what distance they could set up tables and chairs on the beaches.
Those who had a permit to rent umbrellas were being told that the umbrellas could only be set up once they had been rented, not before.
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M.Balzan
Jul 6th 2009, 23:06
Every summer we have the same arguments about umbrellas etc etc..If one goes abroad and visit the beaches one can see that they are well organised ...Each operator should set up his equipment neatly (as most already do) in a specified area. Like this one can also leave a free area on the beach for those who wish to use their equipment. As a country we are working to achieve excellence in service and one cannot expect good service if you have a queue of people (tourist and maltese alike) waiting to be served (especially in our climate).We should all work to make our beaches look better and attract more tourist because as usual it seems that we are wasting our energy on ridiculous matters ....... and maybe not all comment are genuine maybe there are conflicts of interest....
Rene Savona Ventura
Jul 3rd 2009, 07:48
@Martin C. Galea
It seems that the only problem in Mellieha were the caravans occupying parking spaces for long term now, and due to this problem we have lack of parking spaces. Well isnt the same with other localities? like Valletta, Sliema, Bugibba, even my home town San Gwann, theses localities all lack from parking spaces.
I went through the highway code and laws of Malta and found nothing about long or short term parking, unless indicated by traffic signs. If what Mr Galea said is correct then we should remove the red truck vendor selling goods on a daily basis leaving an old car instead of his truck during the night to keep his space for the following day. Not to mention other visible abuses in Mellieha.
We have a right to enjoy our hobby like for example boat owners coming close to the shore for a swim for a weekend or so. We dont want to occupy any land at all, we do not want to construct any permanent structures at all. We have a caravan fully equipped with all basic needs and enjoy a swim like all the rest. we are not criminals.
V. Micallef
Jul 2nd 2009, 22:21
There is apparent uncertainty in the case of beach use for hiring of beach furniture: there are 2 types of permits, and a person may have one or both: a land encroachment (a specific area) granted by the Lands Dept, where it is stipulated what the land is to be used for ( a kiosk, or a kiosk displaying beach furniture); and/or an MTA permit to hire umbrellas & deckchairs. Those with a specific area leased out (encroachment) have the right to deny use to third parties (those who turn up with their own brollies), as they are paying for the area on a yearly basis. Those who simply have a permit to hire furniture cannot display empty furniture and take up public land in the meantime, unless there is a clause in their license which allows them to do so. In this case, the beach-goer has the right to use any area illegally taken over by an unscrupulous businessman - but don't jump to conclusions, argue, and spoil the weekend: by law, the operator should have a copy of his license on display to answer any queries.
J S Borg
Jul 2nd 2009, 21:43
Considering the size of our island I consider that it is a must to have a caravan and drive about ten hours to get to the beach.
I would like to advise all the ministers concerned to spend some time with Australian ministers to be taught Australian laws and regulations concerning, beach concessions, parking of caravans and many laws concerning anything connecting with the sea. it is useless to explain here because there are hundreds of regulations. Regulations include behaviour at the beach as well as the minute walk onto the public roads/street.
All Australians including the bullies abide by the law otherwise there is lot to pay in fines. How about that to balance our budget?
Martin C Galea
Jul 2nd 2009, 19:31
In addition to my previous comment, I would also like to remind people that the "environment Champion Deidun" (sic) was, as far as I know, present at the recent protest in Bahrija, regarding the development taking place there, and also if I recall correctly, he did write an article, denouncing it as well. No particular sympathies to the gent concerned, just to clarify a misconception by a few people. As I said before, well done to the Lands Department, but please, enforce whatever action is taken.
Martin C Galea
Jul 2nd 2009, 19:11
What everybody fails to realise is that a public parking area, is NOT a long term parking area, therefore even if the caravans and vehicles towing them were legal, they have no right to occupy space meant for short term users. In this particular case, a 40 space car park is occupied by a few egotistic users, when many more could be accommodated in this area, thereby alleviating the main road parking problem, even if only slightly. In addition, I am immensely irked, that at the road bend exactly opposite the exit of this parking area, which is also the entry to the green huts area, is completely choc a bloc with vehicles come summertime, and the road is reduced from 2 lanes, to 1, and yet nothing is done about this. To add insult to injury, earlier this year, the carriageway markings were repainted, and right in this bend, the lane dividers were omitted, to further aid and abet the people parking in this area, and indeed completely closing off a lane with their vehicles! Excellent work by the Lands Department on clearing up more valuable space. Keep it up, and keep enforcing any action taken!
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jul 2nd 2009, 16:27
@ Mr. Joe Fenech
And , you forgot to mention , building permits in prestine ODZ countryside ! ?
Now where is the environment Champion DEIDUN ? no comments re- BAHRIJA ?
A SPARKLING EXAMPLE OF TWO WEIGHTS & TWO MEASURES
Kevin Borg
Jul 2nd 2009, 15:04
@John Zammit
I as a caravan owner want an alternative place where to PARK my caravan clamped to my car for a weekend or two. A caravan which I bought from Malta with all taxes paid and vat, even pay my car road licence. Surely cannot be called parasite for using a car space on the road. Without any shadow of doubt, the Maltese people have expressed a consistent, undeniable wish towards EU adhesion and hoped to obtain the same quality and rights like fellow Europeans, these parking areas better known as sostas exists in all parts of Europe. Why not in Malta?
Did'nt we vote to have an unprejudiced society of equals. Forget history now and move to put forward our ideas and visions for the future in order to pave the way for a European quality of life for ALL of us to have a standard.
Ronnie Gauci
Jul 2nd 2009, 14:51
Sur M.Bonnici, pajjiz tal-Mickey Mouse kif ahna fejn biex erbgha ndividwi egoisti jiehdu d-dar maghhom fejn il-bahar 90% tal-popolazzjoni jispiccaw mghaffga ma xulxin xugaman ma xugaman magenb xi landa taz-zibel mimlija ntiena u zunzan. Hekk sew allura? Nofs il-bajja umbrelel u deckchairs u n-nofs l-iehor gazebos u caravans, ghall-ftit dak l-izvinturat li m'ghandu xejn se jispicca jitfa xugaman fit-triq biswit il-bajja u joghqod hemm.
Dan l-infurzar ghandu jkompli u jsir spiss u kullimkien mhux ta` darba bhas-soltu. PROSIT!!
M.Bonnici
Jul 2nd 2009, 14:25
Ma nafx ghala kecewhom, qas tista tmur imkien f dan il pajjiz biex tihu gost. Hadd ma kien qed jaghmel xjn hazin... Camp site hawn malta hawn imma tajdliex imur em fuq l gharmier ta, daqs kemm hemm bahar sabih emek. Xjn ma tista taghmel, sew jajdu pajjiz tal Mickey Mouse. Se jispicca kollox...
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jul 2nd 2009, 14:17
OK, this is just a very small number of Trailers ( 6 to 10 ?) that are mobile and thus easily removed and towed away anytime .
Actually , if I'm not mistaken , these were just taking up space in a public parking area !. The question is simple. Why were they removed? These Roulottes are SURELY paying a road license and hense, in my humble judgement, THEY ARE ENTITLED to use any PUBLIC parking area, unless and when an appropriate CARAVAN (?) SITE/S is/are provided . What does the ADT stipulate ? What are the present regulations ? Is there any specific law ? The BIG NEWS will be when (if ever) ARMIER-CLANDESTINE- VILLAGE , of shacks , bungalows etc.occupying a total ODZ area, is finally razed, to make way for MALTA's prime located Wind Farm .
Mark Tanti
Jul 2nd 2009, 14:16
good news. that means we are improving. but the law should be the same for everyone. they should start doing this beach by beach, not only in ghadira. illegal things happen in other beaches too.
Ronnie Gauci
Jul 2nd 2009, 13:10
What about jellyfish? They also must be stopped from entering our beaches without the necessary permits :)
f vincenti
Jul 2nd 2009, 12:12
good. now please get rid of ALL the ugly green shanty-town huts.. If these continue to be allowed to exist then I should be able to plonk a foundation plank anywhere I choose and expect to be connected to water/elec & main drains too please. And what about the tons of sea front 'boat houses' or ''boat garages'' ? Please! They are nothing but sudo-apartments. Residents there even claimed private parking and shaded areas right opposite these 'garages' and are now extending their ''front patios'' with tent structures over the street. They even have their own Association and ironically post signs saying ''no campers allowed'' ! The dirty looks people get if they drive through such areas is comical. A boathouse or garage should be used solely as such & such abuse has gone on long enough. If the authorities claim to have checked the garages & say that they in fact did find a boat or car 'temporarily' parked inside (amongs furniture, beds, the Fino kitchen & flat screen TV, then this is a direct insult to everyones intelligence. I guess a mantel-piece yacht fits the definition of a boat in it's house.
d bugeja
Jul 2nd 2009, 09:35
WHAT ABOUT THE SUNBEDS AND UMBRELLAS THAT ARE OCCUPYING THE PUBLIC LAND TOO. LAST MONDAY WE HAD TO PUT OUR OWN UMBRELLAS AT THE BACK OF THE GHADIIRA BEACH BECAUSE IT WAS ALL OCCUPIED WITH VACANT SUNBEDS.
A. Attard
Jul 2nd 2009, 08:57
i went to the Ghadira beach everyday this past week and early in the morning at about 9am, the front part of this beach was already taken up by empty deck chairs and umbrellas. People who arrived later were committed to sitting behind this empty furniture. we dont see this at golden bay where umbrellas and deck chairs are taken out ONLY when rented and not placed all along the front part of the beach, as is the case of Ghadira. and the business is still thriving at Golden Bay. i cannot understand the reasoning behind laying them out first thing in the morning.
John Zammit
Jul 2nd 2009, 08:10
why should they be given an alternative site? Has abuse become a God given human right? just remove them and let no one think he has any right to mess any land which does not belong . Besides Real land owners cannot use it themselves, so why should these parasites expect to be endulged just because a stupid labour party of the 70's taught them how to legally steal!!
Ronnie Gauci
Jul 2nd 2009, 02:11
I always found owning a caravan or a villeggjatura in Malta very stupid, you can reach everywhere in less than 40 minutes drive, so what's the use? Why waste money??
I hope authorities will also address the use of those DIY gazebos on public beaches especially on weekends, they take a lot of space, it's not fair towards other bathers who all end up crammed together while they enjoy their 4m squared of beach.
Mark Seychell
Jul 1st 2009, 23:14
Franco Farrugia
Good idea, good point
cmuscat
Jul 1st 2009, 22:41
Don't you think we had already seen this happening quite recently at Bahar ic-Caghaq? And where are the caravans now? Still at Bahar ic-Caghaq!! Come next election and the caravans will be back at Gnejna, Ghadira etc...So don't be all overjoyed at their removal, this is just a PR exercise. For a handful of votes the government is capable of selling its' soul to the devil, if need be.
Frans Bonnici
Jul 1st 2009, 21:19
@Commissioner of Police
Today I parked my motorhome in the main road of Ghadira Bay close to the roundabout. A policemen came over and took my particulars and asked me to remove my vehicle from that parking place.
I would like to know why I'm paying an annual road licence amounting to Euros555 to ADT when I cannot park this vehicle in a proper parking slot ?.
Can somebody give me a proper explaination.
This policeman advised me to go and park my motorhome at Bahar ic-Caghaq. Does this make sense. Tourists coming over to Malta with their caravans cannot stay at Ghadira. This is how we are promoting tourism in Malta.
Time ripe to have some common sense to fight this recession surely we cannot be choosie.
Pauline Ghigo
Jul 1st 2009, 19:02
I am a new camper ,and yes i did enjoy myself with other friends... but its true that with the bad the good that r blamed for the rubbish etc they leave behind.I cant understand why dealers can sell caravans and others sell tents for us to buy, then we cant use them. dont tell me to go and camp in a private facality!!! why cant there be a gov area where we can at least pay something for the time we r using the area? instead being shoved off?? we pay our taxes and have rights too....
P. Aquilina
Jul 1st 2009, 10:53
Looks like MEPA is working there way North , is the Armier Shanti Town next on the agenda !!! Will they be asking for an alternative site for them to build their Boat houses/Summer Residence or what ever they call them somewhere else. And the Goverment provides them with Electricity and Water supply . Isn't that convieniant . Where is the Enforcement ? and they removed a wooden shed off a room in B'kara and they made a show of it with the PBS crew and all. MEPA is not run by the Goverment that is for sure .
Rene Savona Ventura
Jul 1st 2009, 10:44
@ Mellieha Local Council
Now that the caravans are removed and the whole area is cleared, surely will be seeing the area cleaned from weeds and from the rubble which was left by the workers constructing the Bocci pitch in Mellieha Bay Hotel five years ago.
The last time this area was cleaned was after a report which I filed together with some horrified pics which I still have, at the Cleansing Unit MRRA.
This form part of the Council's zone and as far as I know the Council recieve funds to clean non urban areas. Hopfully we see a change to this shamefull parking area for the benefit to all community.
Rene Savona Ventura
Jul 1st 2009, 09:17
I own a caravan bought from Malta four years ago from a leading Maltese company selling new caravans. Paid all related taxes and vat. I sometimes go to Ghadira area just for a weekend or so, consider myself as a day tripper. Every year we travel abroad with our caravan using camping sites and sostas. The expense I pay for these campsites is cheaper compared with what is offered in Armier campsite. Recently an official letter signed by the managing director of this particular campsite came to my attention, stating that the Mellieha Mayor made arrangements to discount the prices offered to caravan owners stationed at Ghadira. When I went to check about this package, the total expense for summer is higher than that offered in a three star hotel.
A sosta being a parking area for these caravans in Malta does not exist.
During my experience at Ghadira I even came across tourists staying there for a week or so enjoying the beautiful bay at Ghadira.
I agree that some caravan owners take a larger space than others, most caravans have sanitary facilities leaving behind a clean environment. Surely we cannot generlise as was done during this exercise.
N.Bonello
Jul 1st 2009, 01:21
Deja vu, haven't we heard all this many times before.
I believe all this when next time at Ghadira I don't see a 100% concentration of sunbeds - Yeah.
Joe Fenech
Jul 1st 2009, 00:50
Joe Vella:
Architectural masterpieces like shoddy restaurants, fast food huts, crappy walls, pot-holed roads..??
And natural beauty like weeds and rubbish!
Joe Fenech
Jul 1st 2009, 00:46
Caravan people are definitely not on MEPA's good books! I think MEPA prefer people who build and organise activities on green areas!
J S Borg
Jun 30th 2009, 22:15
Well done, but what about the garages occupiers who hijack huge areas with their boats, boat trailers and don't you dare even think to part infront of their so called garage. Only this weekend one garage occupier had the guts to lay a huge table, chairs, well a dining room, almost occupying the street. Moreover these persons can and have the right to shout and scream throughout the night.
James Baldacchino
Jun 30th 2009, 20:18
I would like to congratulate those responsible for the action being taken at the various illegally occupied sites which obviously cannot be tackled altogether in one go, but one by one how its being done.The important thing is that on the long run they are all tackled not as we are used to here in Malta ,depending on who resides on location (or who he knows).Another point regarding the various letters from your readers which I would like to comment on is that many people are using another ignorant (or wise?) move on the beach where instead of the normal umbrellas they are occupying about 3mSq or even 6 with these idiotic gazebos,so to be fair on the businessmen who rent umbrellas which i'm happy to make use of as it saves me the hassle of carrying many things,but I truly cannot stand these egoistic people here who always want to take more than the others .
Philip Bonello
Jun 30th 2009, 19:46
@ James Pullicino
Hear, Hear
Bis-sens man
c.t. busuttil
Jun 30th 2009, 19:44
@ Robert Cuschieri: We have been told several times that if a spot is not yet hired by anyone, you can occupy the area yourself. When the hired hand asks you if you wish to hire the umbrella, you can just ask him to remove it! That's it. If you get there first, you have right over the spot. 'Concession' means someone has been given permission to hire out beach equipment when requested, but they have no right over the land. Insist upon your rights.
James Pullicino
Jun 30th 2009, 18:04
It's nice to see caravans, tables and umbrellas removed but unfortunately the bigger problem is when permanent damage is done to the beaches, namely our obsession with with laying concrete everywhere. I'm all for making beaches accessible and easy to get to but this can be done in a non-intrusive way: wood can be used to create decks, stairs, ramps and huts with no permanent damage to the rock. These temporary structures can then be removed in the winter to be refurbished, repaired and stored ready for the next season. This kind of thing is done in Sardinia for example. Our natural coastline is limited and precious - let us conserve it for us and future generations!
Franco Farrugia
Jun 30th 2009, 17:41
I believe that at Ghadira, there should be a 24/7 temporary police station sited on the beach, with specially-dressed police-officers with dinghies and all, ready to address problems that the public may face. With so many thousands of people - including tourists!!! - flocking to this popular and large beach, it would be only sensible to do this.
C.Sammut
Jun 30th 2009, 16:18
Do I see policeman in the shade of a caravan in this video? Isn't it about time free shade from direct sunlight is offered at beachside resorts? We all know about the increase in skin cancer cases these days..
Vonoise Zahra
Jun 30th 2009, 15:26
I have just come back from a recent holiday in Malta. Apart from being against these 'umbrella/deckchair' people taking over the sandy beaches what really annoys me is that i get the impression that they 'employ' irregular/illegal immigrants in the process! Who is checking that they have a permit a) to work b) paying their NI & tax like the rest of us c) have the proper paperwork in order to rent out these facilities d) give out fiscal receipts. However i am of the opinion that these 'gentleman' in charge are all ex /canvassers of our lovely MP's who 'owe' it to these blue/red eyed boys! Shame!! I am very pleased that a good number of voters nowadadys are voting with their mind rather than with their blinkered party mentality! Keep it up!
Joe Vella
Jun 30th 2009, 15:08
Certainly you are not advocating to do away with the monuments at Armier bay, l-ahrax and Mgiebah that Mintoff/KMB and the PL left us with. I am astonished that you forget the masterpieces of architecture at Ghadira. Certainly it puts Piano to shame.
Hypocrisy!!!
c. camilleri
Jun 30th 2009, 15:04
Is this not part of the normal police duty to see that our laws are broken. Why no action has been taken in the past without all this fuss?
Joe Vella
Jun 30th 2009, 14:54
How about the Green Shacks that are there courtesy of Dom Mintoff? Oops, I got it, they are to remain there as a sign of contribution by the MLP/PL to Malta's Environment.
victor vella
Jun 30th 2009, 14:45
@ Mario Mercieca
Such a site exists, the maltese do not want to pay for what they have allways got for free,The campsite at armier is good, ok there are certain things I would change but on the whole the supply of water is endless and also there is plug in electricity, but as I said they want everything for free.
Francesca Abela
Jun 30th 2009, 14:23
What about those horrible green huts opposite at Mellieha Bay ? They seem to be spreading more and more. Some are complete with satellite dishes. Are they not on public land as well ?
Charles Falzon
Jun 30th 2009, 14:10
Well done. Keep up the good work.
Aimee Fenech
Jun 30th 2009, 13:58
Well done and keep it up :)
Piero Selvaggi
Jun 30th 2009, 13:48
At long last, the beaches back to us commoners. I had been campaigning against these greedy BEACH CONCESSIONS for much tooooo long. Now it seems that the government means business. Well done to all concerned. Let's hope it remains loike this till the end of summer.
v.pulis
Jun 30th 2009, 13:46
Good job. Now we'll have to wait and see if the law is enforced especially where umbrellas and deck chairs are concerned.
Robert Cuschieri
Jun 30th 2009, 13:30
"Those who had a permit to rent umbrellas were being told that the umbrellas could only be set up once they had been rented, not before."
Very strange, just yesterday I took my children to ghadira and all the beach was taken over by empty deckchairs and umbrellas. We only managed to find a 1X1 meter spot to stay on.
Is this legal? Can anyone answer me please?
And if not, how often are these spot checks going to be made? Fines? Taking back permits?
s.caruana
Jun 30th 2009, 13:20
Meta se tisbah dik il-gurnata li naraw il-gaffef ihottu il-kmamar il-legali li hemm gol-Gnejna,Armier,Marfa,Ghadira u San Tumas Metaaaaaaaaaaaa? Meta se mmorru fuq il-beach u naraw li tista toqghod fejn trid,mhux kullimkien umbrellel u deckchairs privati miftuhin bla uzu basta jokkupaw il-bajja, Metaaaaaaaa? IT'S THERE WHEN WE ALL BE CONVINCED THAT THIS GOVERMENT MEAN BUSINESS!!
Carmel Borg
Jun 30th 2009, 13:17
Keep up the good work and try also to apply these rules in 'Blue Lagoon' in Comino. I was visiting two weeks ago from Canada and had difficulty getting to the water. Empty umbrellas and deck chairs occuiped most of the beach space, creating a safty hazard for both young and elderly people. Most vistors I talked to complained about this nuisance, it is a matter of time that some visitor will be injuried and legal action will be taken against the operator/Goverment.
r.spiteri
Jun 30th 2009, 13:10
What about St Thomas Bay.Go and have a look how much space a supposed to be bar occupied.
joe vella
Jun 30th 2009, 12:59
well done! pse now tackle asap, Armier bay, l-ahrax and Mgiebah
also are the stone structures that are steadily replacing the green, supposed temporary structures at ghadira and little armier legal? the inspectors, once they finish off with the beach concessions, should be sent to check the green villages
E. Compagno
Jun 30th 2009, 12:55
"Those who had a permit to rent umbrellas were being told that the umbrellas could only be set up once they had been rented, not before."
Not true. Just last Friday morning, I had an argument with one such permit holder, who politely told me that I had no right to set up my things on the area designated for his business according to these new rules - while he set up his paraphernalia on half the beach. He pointed to his boundaries and told me that I could set up outside that boundary.
Excuse me, but how dare they? And if this is true, how dare the authoritiese 'lease out' public land giving the business man the right to make money at the expense of free movement on and access to our public beaches?
Also, about the caravans.. where are the proper caravan and camping sites on our island? If these caravans are hurting no one, why move them? Why is fun and recreation almost a sin?
If I had to buy a caravan, where could I use it?
And then we wonder why our kids have no childhood and waste their lives watching tv playing with game consoles.
David Stephen Ganado
Jun 30th 2009, 12:54
@Mario Mercica
Dear Sir, there is an offically licensed Camping Site in L-Ahrax tal-Mellieha. Whoever wants can go there, pay and set up their caravan/tent. There are services and a restaurant, so they really cant complain!
Unfortunately, unlike what you attest, most people dont want to pay to camp in a particular area, or else they only expect to pay a pittance!
Edwina Caruana
Jun 30th 2009, 12:48
Keep up the good work!! The beaches should be enjoyed by all :)
Mario Mercieca
Jun 30th 2009, 12:35
The same problem arises cos caravaneers have no where to go. As I already wrote elsewhere, these people ae ready to pay a daily or annual fee as long as they are allowed to live in a decent site and are supplied by water electricity and toilets, but no one seems to give a dam. Nothing is free but not having a facility in Malta is making these people go above the rule of law and seem like criminals.
Galea. L
Jun 30th 2009, 12:18
Good job.
However there should be no permits and all the beaches should be available to the public not to private scrooges to fatten their pockets from public property.
Clayton Abdilla
Jun 30th 2009, 12:08
Empty deckchairs and closed umbrellas have taken our beaches for long enough.
If this exercise is successfull as one hopes prospects are indeed bright.
K Farrugia
Jun 30th 2009, 11:59
Next is Mistra bay...the sight was disgusting last Saturday
Jane Bartolo
Jun 30th 2009, 11:50
How good that we can finally go to the beach without having to rent an umbrella from those greedy people who use to take over the entire area. I'm glad that their permits are finally being enforced! Another job well done!
m bon
Jun 30th 2009, 11:46
Good work... now to other stuff...
a few queries.... Are boat houses legal ? Are boat houses with A/C units, satellite tv, patios, wooden carved fencing....
Are these BOAT HOUSES ? or just sea side summer homes ?
the funny thing is that they dont only use these boat houses as lodging.... but they also take over the front part of it and are not too happy to let you drive past....
when will these be tackled ?