Stalled afforestation at Wied Blandun

I refer to Joseph Zammit’s letter (October 29) in which he queried the government’s hesitation in continuing with the afforestation of Wied Blandun in Fgura.

The minister responsible for the project was seen on TV planting an amount of trees in this area just before the last election. When the government initiated this afforestation programme there was the wrong impression that the land, taken in possession in 1973, had already been legally expropriated and owners paid.

I had owned the valley on either side of 28th April 1958 Avenue but, a year ago, after a lapse of 37 years, the government offered payment for the land which today incorporates the playing field, indicating that it has no intention to acquire the area where the afforestation had been initiated.

I had suggested that the government could obtain the rest of my property in exchange for an agricultural area I had indicated. My intention was that this land could be handed to and managed by the Fgura local council for the benefit of the residents. If the council is interested in the land they can chase my request.