Mepa seals dumping site, stops water sports activities in Ramla l-Hamra
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has sealed off an area at Tal-Wej, near Mosta, which was being used illegally as a dumping site for construction waste. The debris has also started to be removed.
The police have instituted court action against the person allegedly responsible.
In a statement, Mepa said it had also stopped the activities of an operator who was illegally carrying out water-sport activities for commercial purposes at Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo.
Mepa officers and the police confiscated a number of jet skies, a tented bay-watch structure and other water-sport equipment.
Last week the Authority also removed an illegal wooden structure that was serving as a pigeon loft on the rooftop of a dwelling in Birkirkara. This pigeon loft was creating a health hazard and nuisance to the surrounding neighbours, the authority said.
KALKARA VALLEY PROTECTED
In a separate statement, Mepa referred to media reports and concerns voiced by residents and NGOs on speculative development in Kalkara valley.
It said the valley was protected and scheduled as a Level 2 Site of Scientific Importance.
"This clearly means that no development will be permitted within the boundaries of this area except for the maintenance of existing structures, such as the existing rubble walls and protected water mill.
"MEPA confirms that there is no intention to remove ant part of the area from the scheduling boundary or to downgrade the current levels of protection," the authority said.
13 Comments
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D Camilleri
Jul 4th 2009, 19:55
Armier ? Bahrija ?
D Farugia
Jul 4th 2009, 17:49
Regarding the Kalkara Valley issue, one need to be aware that the site in question is a garden which, prior to the local plan exercise, was within development zone and now is earmarked as ‘Buffer zone for sienja’. One need to determine the main scope of why the resident's' was/were protesting!!! The pious thought was similar to the ‘protest’ previously made in retaining the present status of shabbiness and in looping in the NGOs in their personal dispute. It was another opportunity of putting pressure on MEPA and the latter repetitively react to please the majority to the detriment of the minority, which might be in the right! Viva il-Gustizzja.
A Zammit
Jul 4th 2009, 12:26
@ Vicki Soler; Speak to yourself about trust. Seems you have not been living in Malta for the last decade to say so. While this is a good initiative, one has not to forget what wrong MEPA has and still is doing
A Grech
Jul 4th 2009, 03:27
tough with the weak and weak with the strong... what about BAHRIJA?????
Vicki Soler
Jul 4th 2009, 01:05
Excellent job once again Mepa. Keep it up. Lots of us have trust in you.
MARK MIFSUD BONNICI
Jul 3rd 2009, 23:11
How long have the illegal "sports activities" been going on?
They have been there for as long as I can remember.
So each person that ever hired a jet ski or used any other "sport" was actually helping an illegal activity flourish. I wonder what the taxman has to say about this Mickey Mouse country.
Maria Gatt
Jul 3rd 2009, 21:03
Well done. why not having lifeguards in Ramla as they do in Malta? What is the MTA doing?
steve elliott,uk
Jul 3rd 2009, 20:51
Whats happened to the pigeons?
Alfred Cassar
Jul 3rd 2009, 20:48
You can say that this is something positive from MEPA because the number of comments is very low. Well Done MEPA, keep it up
Stephanie Falzon
Jul 3rd 2009, 20:36
Good job MEPA!
Joseph Schembri
Jul 3rd 2009, 20:04
A great action which must be applauded ... now to stop any and all development in the Maltese valleys
c. camilleri
Jul 3rd 2009, 19:12
What a about a word of praise from those NGOs. Or do they exist to criticise only.
L Camilleri
Jul 3rd 2009, 19:09
Finally a tragedy in the making averted thanks to MEPA. Hope that GAIA Foundation now secures the steel rod preventing access to the beach by motorised vehicles except farmers and public utilities. This has been there lying on the path for ages. Wake up GAIA.