Action to remove camps expected within a few days
The government may act to remove the illegal campers at Il-Maghluq in Marsaxlokk before the 15-day time limit given in a Mepa enforcement notice, Land Minister Jason Azzopardi told Marsaxlokk local council in a letter today.
He said in a letter to the council that the Commissioner of Land has given his approval so that the necessary action may be taken before the expiry of the 15-day notice imposed by law.
"Therefore, what needs to be done will be done in the coming days by Mepa and the Lands Department," he said.
The council welcomed the minister's declaration as said it expected immediate action to stop the occupation of public land.
The council said that thanks to a new bye law, it would be able to act promptly to ensure that no camps and caravans would be allowed in Marsaxlokk.
Informed sources said the campers will be served with eviction notices on Monday and government action will be taken in the following days unless they comply.
Meanwhile, the Marsaxlokk residents who held a protest on Sunday which sparked the government action, in a statement signed by Jean Claude Micallef, also expressed their appreciation for the government move.
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David Farrugia
Aug 17th 2012, 11:32
Sometimes I think that I live in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The jungle laws rule here. In Maltese we say 'Hallaballata'. Comparing ourselves with advanced societies in the north of Europe, Malta seems to be in Stone Age. We need enforcement more than ever.
Alan Deidun
Aug 17th 2012, 10:35
The Haber incident, as the infamous mobster event at Marsaxlokk can be dubbed, is just the 'crowning' moment of a poker-faced relentless land-grab strategy by those which wheel out the usual cliches, such as 'I pay taxes', ' I am just a member of the low-income working class', 'I cannot afford a seaside 2nd home', etc, etc - take Bahar ic-Caghaq, where the campers are creeping back in, take the institutionalised land grab at Armier, Gnejna, San Tumas and dwejra. However, this is not the only typology of land grab one encounters on the islands - there is then the more subtle land grab in fact, perpetrated in a more refined manner by those who who can dish out the monies - take Riviera Hotel in Marfa, take Munchies in Golden Bay, take lidos and kiosks on numerous beaches, etc, etc - the problem is not with enforcement - the problem is with the Maltese/Mediterranean ethos, which is hell-bent on grabbing the most coveted sites at the expense of the public good - the so-called privatisation of the coast, immortalised by anthropologist Jeremy Boissevain, is alive and kicking
Charles Abela
Aug 17th 2012, 10:21
Aktar ma ‘ jithalla’ il-libertinagg sociali aktar kullhadd ibil idejh. X''distribution of wealth" ! Hawn hafna min huwa nadif u trid kuragg li tkun, illum .
Politica ta bsaten fir-roti, illum jien lilek, ghada int lili . U imbaghad nistghagbu li t-tessut ta 'social cohesion' qieghed jitmermer
U f’din il konfuzioni min igawdi l’aktar difficili tghid , min dak li nara u nisma , n-numru huwa gmielu, sia tal ‘fqir’ u sia ta min hu tal flus. ‘S-serq’ u tax-evading ukoll , ma ghadux distinzioni ta klassi . Darba gibt l’attenzioni fuq dan ma MP stabbilit, ta gowwa kif nghidu ahna. Tafx x’kienet r-risposta. B’ton helu u harsa ta compassioni qalli “ Napprezza dak li qieghed tghid ( xi hlew ) imma ma tiefhimx fil politica (huda ma wiccek )”
() Kliem tieghi
D-dmir morali u etiku taghna 'lesser mortals' donnu u biss li nivvutaw , dejjem s’intendi jekk ma nifilhux ‘jumping on the wagon’ U hekk ghandna il hin ‘ imorru nasqu fil bahar ta Marsaxlokk u hafna bnadi ohra bhalu, illegalment occupati ( misruqin ! )
Il- kmandament 'la tisraqx' ghadu jiswa jew iggebbed xi daqxejn. ?.
Henry Mifsud
Aug 17th 2012, 10:19
Management by crisis at its best!
We need a holistic strategy about such abusers and not a pre-election stint.
We boast of having become fully integrated Europeans by joining the EU but we are far far away from such a reality. Fact remains, whether we accept it or not, that we act much more like our neighbours to the South than those to the North. And this has nothing to do with our Phoenician connection!
Quo Vadis Malta?
Toni Borg
Aug 17th 2012, 09:52
Can the authorities please inform the general public the date and time the evacuation will take place.
We might want to line up along the beach and stick our tongues out as we see these people pack and go :)
P. Scicluna
Aug 17th 2012, 09:46
Therefore, in order for Mepa and the government to take action, people need to start punching each other??
A Dimech
Aug 17th 2012, 09:09
What we need in Malta is a powerful Water Cannon and wherever the army sees these illegal building/camps - just blow everything away;
However, the government should try to find areas, where people can camp for a limited period of time, with full sanitary facilities, and with a small payment for services. Like that, genuine campers can have a place to practise and enjoy their time.
Joe Borg
Aug 17th 2012, 09:07
What about Ramla and San Blas?
Mario Micallef
Aug 17th 2012, 09:03
Occupying public land, is illegal, but trying to look at the whole situation, merits, at least some food for thought.Is it right that some are more elevated than others.If some can get away, with it, like for example Armier, why should'nt the Marsaxlokk, squatters, get away with it too?Why should'nt I have the right, to spot a small piece of land, and make it my own, as has been don, and mind you, in this illegality, you will have protecting you, Enemalta, the government, the lands department, the police, it is so simple.
Everybody, including the government knows what has to be done, flattenn ALL the ares, remove one and all, rebuild,new commercial units, and one and all, will then be considered as first class citizens. As it is, don't bother to send me a voting document.This descision, will be a paramount one, because although, it involves many voters(who knows, maybe this could be the reason)it will bring respect, and maybe more votes, from others, who wish to do so, but are law abiding individuals.
A. Mizzi
Aug 17th 2012, 08:53
Imbghad tkun ghaddej b'xi kelb minn fejn xi bajja u issib xi erbgha wardens fuqek ...u ara biss tazzarda tirfes bajja bir -ramel b'kelb!
Pajjiz tal-Miki Maws!
P. Scicluna
Aug 17th 2012, 09:48
Exactly my thoughts!! Eee ghax kelb ihammeg hux u jdejjaq in-nies.....ahseb u ara balla hamalli jikkampjaw f'bajja!!
c. hansel
Aug 17th 2012, 08:46
please SPB get the same bye law and remove those illegal caravans and boat houses in Qawra!!!!
J Micallef
Aug 17th 2012, 07:45
If a boatload of immigrants were to land there, they would think they've mistakenly arrived home...
Sandra Camilleri
Aug 17th 2012, 07:44
What ever happens in this country is to blame - the people are to blame because they should know the laws of their country ! It is not only Marsaxlokk, there are other places where camps have been put illegally - law enforcement please!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Aug 17th 2012, 12:56
You are right - but simply because they do not know the laws and persist does not excuse the authorities from not taking action. These tents should have been cleared months ago and action should have been taken by the authorities under their own steam and not wait for all this public outrage. Gvern rieqed!
Charles J. Buttigieg
Aug 17th 2012, 07:28
If I were younger,stronger and militant I'll put up a caravan smack opposite Castille and see how long it would take Gonzi,the Police and Mepa to take action.
Barney Camilleri
Aug 17th 2012, 08:55
Charles J. Buttigieg
That is an easy one, I try to help you. It works like this, if you are alone you will disappear before you even start, however if you are a group well it could take some time.
Do not forget we have stone quarry using public land going on, hotel built on public land, sea fronts taken by private hotel owners, etc., etc, it is all a matter of mathematics. One equal go, Group equal stay.
Someone once said: The law is strong with the weak and weak with the strong.
Mr Joseph Carmel Chetcuti
Aug 17th 2012, 09:19
In the 1980s, gay men and lesbians set up a tent outside Premier Wran's NSW Woollahra home. It did not take him too long after that to decriminalise homosexuality. Just imagine if a smaller country than Malta invaded Malta. Would Gonzi ask them to wait for a few days before they invade? He can't even remove a few bloody tents!
Barney Camilleri
Aug 17th 2012, 13:58
Mr. JCC
It is a good one!
You made my day.
A. MICALLEF
Aug 17th 2012, 07:09
FAO - Dr. Joseph Muscat - Lejliet elezzjoni il-poplu Malti qieghed jistenna minnghandhek u minnghand
il-PN li jekk ser tdkun fil-gvern, immedjetament tiehu lura l-art tal-poplu Malti li gvern laburista u
gvern nazzjonalista ippermettew u hallew is-serq ta din l-art fl-Ghadira, Armier, Gnejna u hafna
postijiet mill isbah ta Malta. Jekk int qieghed tghid li veru progressiv u ser iggib bidla u era
gdida f-Malta, allura i-partit tieghek ghandhu jghati din il-garanzija sabiex dan l-isfregju u dan
is-serq ghandhu jieqaf u iggib ordni billi tressaq il-Qorti lil min kiser il-ligi ghal dawn is-snin twal.
Is-skiet minnnaha tal-Partit Laburista rigward dan is-serq zgur ma jawgurax ghal xi politika
ta progress, u allura il-kelma Progressiva hija biss slogan Dr. Muscat !
R. Balzan
Aug 17th 2012, 09:23
@ A. Micallef - Mhux ahjar li tindirizza l-appell tieghek lil GonziPN li qabel l-ahhar elezzjoni ghamel hafna weghdi lil dawn li se jirregola l-pozizzjoni taghhom?! Jew issa int ukoll qtajt qalbek li ssib tarf tal-korruzzjoni sfrenata ta' dan il-gvern u qed tispera f'futur ahjar?!
Edward Camilleri
Aug 17th 2012, 07:08
Removing these illegal campers is good. But why all this fuss I don't understand. Many others have done much worse by building illegal shanty towns around our beautiful bays, Gnejna, Armier, Ghadira, St. Thomas Bay, Dwejra, etc - but the government instead of clearing these areas have rewarded many with water and electricity!!
Malta needs desperately an organised camping ground, near one of our bays. It can easily be located instead of one of the illegal shanty towns....but not when most have been legalised illegally!
Victor Pulis
Aug 17th 2012, 06:58
Aaron Cassar
Yesterday, 20:43
U l-ghadira u l-armier ma tistax taghmel umbrella tieghek trid tikri bil fors trid u ma tridx.
Jekk jghidulek hekk qed jidhqu bik! Tista taghmel umbrella tieghek fejn trid. Jien hekk naghmel u jekk jigi xi hadd jghidli nnehhiha nghidlu mur gib pulizija u nnehhiha bil qalb. Qatt ma gab!
S Vella
Aug 17th 2012, 06:56
This should have been taken care of by the authorities in the first place not after citizens made a move and a person ended up attacked!
Besides not only in il-Maghluq at Marsaxlokk but everywhere, Malta and Gozo!
Either camping is permitted or not! no half ways please.
stephen mifsud
Aug 17th 2012, 00:26
Lets face the facts folks Malta is way overpopulated now with close to 500,000 people or more in the summer it has become like "standing room only " and it will get worse so i am afraid its not going to get any better ...My analogy of Malta is that when one has a secret spot to go to swim,camp,picnic or whateever its like the secret is out and now everyone knows about it so Malta is no longer a secret like It was in the 50's and 60's so thats the price we all have to pay for joining the EU and for the builders of skyscrapers it was so much better when we were with less and had more !!
Victor Pulis
Aug 17th 2012, 07:00
I don't see how joining the EU has anything to do with this issue! The law remains the same. No one can occupy public land full stop.
Oswald Spiteri
Aug 16th 2012, 23:27
Your report says: Informed sources said the campers will be served with eviction notices on Monday and government action will be taken in the following days unless they comply. WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE DONE NEXT MONDAY and not this Friday ??? I thought we are in the 'computer age' which should hasten any procedural paper work !!!!
Victor Pulis
Aug 17th 2012, 07:03
Not only. The summons should be backdated to the first time they set up camp and fine them for that period. The government must show that it's in charge of Malta not a bunch of troglodytes.
Peter Midler
Aug 16th 2012, 21:40
Voicing our concerns is fine, but we can also act. Expecting others to act and remaining passive will lead to nowhere! Lets not be 'gemgem' only. Sign this petition to have ALL boathouses removed!
https://www.change.org/petitions/malta-remove-illegal-boathouses-from-our-island
This will onlt take a minute but you will be doing you bit to see the Malta you like to see.
This way a strong message will be sent to the government.
James Dewar
Aug 16th 2012, 21:29
Better late than never! Good to see some leadership, let's hope that this is only the start and that all the other illegal unsightly sites in Malta are similarly dealt with.
A. Borg
Aug 16th 2012, 21:10
Why Il-Maghluq in Marsaxlokk only?
Maybe because it's in the south?
Alfred Grech
Aug 16th 2012, 21:06
This was a case where they should have been told to pack it up right there and then and clear the area in an hour or two.
Aaron Cassar
Aug 16th 2012, 20:43
U l-ghadira u l-armier ma tistax taghmel umbrella tieghek trid tikri bil fors trid u ma tridx
Miriam Sargent
Aug 16th 2012, 20:40
What about the shanty town in Bahar ic-Caghaq, last year we had a big show of removing it....police busses the works!! This year they were back with a vengeance, with all the rubbish they bring with them!
vella m
Aug 16th 2012, 20:38
What about Armier and Ghadira?????????????
George Farrugia
Aug 16th 2012, 20:28
What a joke....is there no further depth that our law enforcement system can to reach? In 15 days' time these people would be long gone. Or do the authorities think they will be camping there for the winter.? They are breaking the law and the police should have taken immediate action. FULL STOP. No bye law or anything is needed. The legal provisions are already there for the police to take action. .
Carmel Garcia
Aug 16th 2012, 19:13
U l-kmamar fl-Armier, l-ghadira, Wied il-Ghajn, il-Gnejna u diversi bajjiet ohra? X'se jigri? Dawn Specjali? Dawn ukoll serqu artijiet pubblici. Jew nibzu li nitilfu l-voti peress lil l-elezzjoni fil-qrib hafna iktar milli hu mahsub? Meta se jqum mir-raqda li jinsab fiha l-gvern dwar hafna issues bhal dawn?
A Farrugia
Aug 16th 2012, 18:59
Tal- Armier u l ghadira specjali , dik art pubblika u ma messa ittiehdet QATT, ghandha tinghata lura lill poplu milll aktar fiss. Nistennew u naraw is serjeta sa fejn tasal le !!
A Camilleri
Aug 16th 2012, 18:54
Why why why why why a few days? Ministru you should have taken action already. You re already late, sir. You lose credibility if these bullies are not kicked out within 24 hours.
Stephen Zammit
Aug 16th 2012, 18:51
Government's prompt action, will go a long way in reassuring the public that the government is in control. Every day that goes by diminishes that reassurance. Every waiting day is interpreted as "trying to please the squatters" too. The public longs to see "balls" in the leadership not niceties, paperwork and press conferences.
X Borg
Aug 16th 2012, 18:48
What will happen in other areas.
What's going to happen next year ?
D. Xerri
Aug 16th 2012, 18:38
So Action to remove the illegal camping structures ONLY for this site in Marsaxlokk ?!
What about the other ones in Armier ? they stay there blessed by the authorities ? Enjoying Summer after Summer without anyone saying a word as if Anarchy and Bullying have become the Order of the Day on this island - while Precious Public Land is Stolen from Every other Maltese Citizen.
Barney Camilleri
Aug 16th 2012, 18:35
Well, well, well!
And where is Joseph to hear what he has to say on an issue so important as public land?
mark borg
Aug 17th 2012, 06:34
irrelevant moronic statement ......
the PN / Gonzipn is currently in gov......for now hallik minn joseph.....if he is eleceted and will let malta in the mess PN brought it to ...we will critisise as well do not worry..but for now unfortunately th PM is gonzi !
Barney Camilleri
Aug 17th 2012, 08:43
mark borg
As an independent voter I could be writing 'moronic statements' as long as this country remain with having a free press. I remember the days and not so long ago under a different administration things where a lot different and not only people where called moron but beaten.
I think it is my duty and right to know to evaluate those who are so kind to want to represent us in parliament. Joseph seem he has all the answers except when it is a hot potato then it seem he is nowhere to be found.
I could be wrong and that is why I am asking.
Nick Borg
Aug 16th 2012, 18:30
The Government has failed big time,but the same must be said of the opposition.
At least we know, even though late,that the Government is going to remove these tents (better late than never),but we have'nt heard one word from J.Muscat or the Opposition spokesperson, nahseb jien "min gol tghagen, ghal gol nar"....
D. Xerri
Aug 16th 2012, 18:41
Min Jikkmanda Jaghmel il-Ligi u Jrid jiehu d-decizzjoni !
U nahseb kellu zmien bizzejjed 24 sena biex jaghmel il-ligijiet u jiehu d-decizzjonijiet !
Meta jkun hemm Haddiehor Niggudikaw lill Haddiehor tibzax IMMA ISSA fuq min hemm Jiggverna nistghu Nitkellmu !
A Trapani
Aug 17th 2012, 01:29
D.Xerri.... sejjer zball.... il ligijiet jigu discussi fil parlament miz zewg partiti. Kieku l-oppozizjoni turi support lil gvern f'kazi bhal dawn kieku nimxu il quddiem imma mid dehra tibza li titlef xi vot f'dal kas.
Peter Murray
Aug 16th 2012, 18:23
Why 15 days and not 15 mins to pack up and go?
Aaron Cassar
Aug 16th 2012, 20:44
biex jghadi is sajf habib
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Aug 16th 2012, 18:12
I do not understand what is going on here. Not a peep out of the police. MEPA gives 15 days notice to the campers. But the Lands dept says action may be taken before. What total utter confusion! Who is responsible for law order in this country? Is MEPA not an independent authority? So the Lands Dept can just ignore MEPA and make its own enforcement? No wonder these persons can get away with it!
ANTHONY PAVIA
Aug 16th 2012, 18:35
That is exactly Malta's problem. Too many cooks, i.e. an enormously large, apathetic, inept and ineffective public (?) sector. An equally huge number of cabinet ministers and parliamentarians for such a small rock. Hence no accountability as the buck stops at no one's desk.
David Muscat
Aug 16th 2012, 18:04
Take it easy....ormai the shutdowns will soon be over and everyone will pack up and go.
joanne pace
Aug 16th 2012, 18:01
You are so right. Everyone is afraid to rock the boat, there is no enforcement, just look at Exiles Civil Sports club, beach beds laid out as early as nine in the morning, Where is his permit? MEPA please check .
joanne pace
Aug 16th 2012, 17:59
You are so right. Everyone is afraid to rock the boat, there is no enforcement, just look at Exiles Civil Sports club, beach beds laid out as early as nine in the morning, Where is his permit? MEPA please check
P Bonnici
Aug 16th 2012, 17:49
'within days' - It should be NOW.
Not as if they do not have a home to go to or these campers are using this site as their main residence?
Victor Pulis
Aug 16th 2012, 17:47
The government MAY act! It should be the government SHALL act! And i hope thet before means immediately not on the fourteenth day of the enforcement order!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Aug 16th 2012, 17:45
Is Minister |Jason Azzopardi afraid of these hooligans? Why is government treating these people with kid glove treatment? No wonder these guys are son defiant. Well, good for them if we have a weak government that is afraid of taking legal action when it should be taken.
Alfred Cassar
Aug 16th 2012, 17:45
Eviva,Eviva , Evia il-Pakistan. How much shall the operation cost us?
Alfred G Grech
Aug 16th 2012, 17:44
Not so picturesque any more, thanks to failure of action by the "authorities". And shame on us too for not responding to the bullying by those squatters by protesting anew and with more numbers and that way force the issue. How long would they have been allowed to stay if they had chosen to camp let us say at "Ta -Xbiex"?
Pule' Carmel
Aug 16th 2012, 17:40
Because of the fact that in Malta everybody knows everybody and everybody can afford a match and some petrol.
* Government members cannot govern, Raymond Caruana.
* Policemen cannot police. Police were hurt many times.
* Army members cannot control. There were cases where people were hurt
* Teachers cannot examine so they prefer assessments and a no fail system. We know what happened at Univwersity
* Wardens cannot go too far. We all know what happened in Gozo.
*Judges in Court cannot operate without interference, We all know what happened
*Distribution of Land by church and governments , well the less said the better.
* If you go to buy tools from Lidl , you find that friends of friends buy in bulk to sell eleswhere,
* If you go to church you find baskets on the chairs keeping places for friends and relatives.
*The best fruits and vegitables go to hotels and the local consumers are hand picked.
*Mellieha and San Tumas campsites and Dwejra have connections that I cannot overpower
* VRT testing stations have thrown doubts.
Need I say more?
One dreams that a police state can be avoided through education, but it will always reamins a dream!
Living in such condition, the most educated will suffer most.
joanne pace
Aug 16th 2012, 17:56
You are so right. I can put beach beds on public land or beach , and no one ever notices, I mean no one who has the power to question if there are permits ect. J
C Falzon
Aug 16th 2012, 18:53
"* If you go to church you find baskets on the chairs keeping places for friends and relatives."
Maybe you can add to that list how some people even reserve parking spaces by putting some large paint cans or other large object in the road to keep their favourite parking space free.
S Cachia
Aug 16th 2012, 17:35
please do make them clean up the area too!
Joe Scerri
Aug 16th 2012, 17:32
Can someone please explain what the so called "15-day time limit given in a Mepa enforcement notice" mean exactly?
Does this apply for every enforcement notice that is issued or does it vary by case?
We have an illegality in our street that has been operating for years even though it was served an enforcement notice. Reports to MEPA and the minister has been a total waste of time. Perhaps their votes (or money) carry more weight than those of the residents.
martin chetcuti
Aug 16th 2012, 17:57
AGREE 100%
I know of an Enforcement notice being issued for 10 YEARS. I reported this infringment over an over again but to no avail. To add insult to injury the contravener is enjoying the illegality undisturbed for all these years.
Ian Napier
Aug 16th 2012, 17:28
Already a few days late in my books.
A. MICALLEF
Aug 16th 2012, 17:27
Il-poplu Malti ghandhu jinghata garanzija mill_Partit Nazjonalista u mill Partit laburista li
l-isfregju tal-boathouses ta l-ghadira, l-Armier u is-shanty towns l-ohrajn jitwaqqghu u jitnehhew.
Is-silenzju tal-PN u l-Partit Laburista dwar dawn is-shanty town s jfisser li huma iz-zewg
partiti huma konolici ma dawn in-nies li serqu art il-poplu.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Aug 16th 2012, 17:25
'The government may act to remove the illegal campers..........." May act? What's wrong with ' shall act'?
Joseph Schembri
Aug 16th 2012, 17:21
What exactly is a "bye law"?
Pule' Carmel
Aug 16th 2012, 17:43
Let me guess, bye bye bye bye law, as bye love , when two lovers leave each other?
K. Vella II
Aug 16th 2012, 17:50
The describes the situation in Malta, where, for all intents and purposes, everyone seems to have bid adieu to the rule of law.
N Zahra
Aug 16th 2012, 17:21
Well done to all who organized and attended the protest. The bottom line is that protesting works and gets the authorities to move!
JJ Agius
Aug 16th 2012, 17:40
Well done to the Victim that nobody assist while attacked nor in court!!!!!
J.J.
Albert Critien
Aug 16th 2012, 17:15
The fifteen day enforcement notice by mepa was given some days ago, now if as some are suggesting this time limit will come about the summer will be over, may your words will come true as this summer has been a real killer.
Ivan Visanich
Aug 16th 2012, 17:15
worse than all this mess is st thomas bay,apart from them all illegal boathouses,of which house everything except a boat,there's a tiny beach and next to a bit of concrete surface on which there's a sign that reads proudly '' no bbqs on concrete surface '' which obviously everyone ignores,camps,foul charcoal smell,loud people and music,generators humming and so forth all to the detrement of whoever goes to the beach to relax .. Been going there daily in summer for more than 5 years,not once have i seen a policeman or warden.
Herbert Falzon
Aug 16th 2012, 17:12
And good riddance.
Ivan Calleja
Aug 16th 2012, 17:09
A tsunami every know and then sweeping along clearly designated beaches would solve a lot of our problems!
Paul Azzopardi
Aug 16th 2012, 17:02
Some one should take a line from Putin...or Putin style action....Right Now, done and dusted.....But no we Maltese seem to take it on the cheek very well....kick us and we bray like a donkey, that's what our new Maltese motto should be......
Sorry to say but this episode has really made Malta and who runs it look like a bunch of Clowns.
Problem is we the citizens live in this Circus of an island.
I'm so disappointed and it seems so are alot of people.
Ms. P.M Graham
Aug 16th 2012, 16:59
"The government may act to remove the illegal campers"
May?
The heat must have frazzled my brain. If they are "illegal" campers why were they not removed as soon as it was obvious they were setting up camp?
I tried to put up a small UV protection tent on St George's beach last week, for the babies and was told in less than 3 minutes to remove it.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Aug 16th 2012, 17:44
Ms Graham, I have feeling that you are not Maltese and that you have not been in Malta long enough to understand that our government only acts in cases like this (1) when there is a serious public outcry and (2) after having weighed how many votes it willl lose in the coming election if it takes action. Government is probably still doing the math, hence the 'may'.
A Trapani
Aug 17th 2012, 01:37
... and Andrew.... the opposition/Joseph Muscat has also done the math and preferred to back no one and be silent on the issue knowing that siding with either the outlaws or the general public will lose him precious votes.
Joseph Mifsud
Aug 16th 2012, 16:48
Jien manafx taaa. Imma dawn bis-serjeta? Jien kelli hbieb li jmorru kull sena hemm f'dan iz-zmien, imma jekk qed jiksru l-ligi allura hemm bzonn azzjoni mmedjata. Mela naghti "ftit granet" cans? Ara vera spiccat din l-amministrazzjoni taaa. X'misthija ta nies. Manafx kif jippretendu li jigu eletti.
U ma nixtieqx inhalli barra il-famuza €60 multa. Mela bniedem jaqla swat u ghax ma jixtieqx jidhol f'kazijiet il-qorti (post fejn kulhadd jigi gudikat skond il burdata), l istess qorti taghti multa redikola bhal dik.
Franco Farrugia
Aug 16th 2012, 16:41
That's right ... after most of them are gone, then take action, to show the might of the state!
What the hell are you waiting for to take action?
joseph borg
Aug 16th 2012, 16:41
u ta l-Armier u l ghadira meta se tnehhihom sur Ministru???
Charles J. Buttigieg
Aug 16th 2012, 17:27
Joseph,lill dawk Gonzi irregalalhom garanzija li mhux ser imissom.
Peter Midler
Aug 16th 2012, 16:40
This is the only good news so far about this whole incident. Well done Dr Jason Azzopardi! Your intervention should be commended and welcomed by all law abiding citizens! Lets not see only the negative of things.
Marsaxlokk Council are also reacting to the incident and your action should also be welcomed. Local councils and the central government should be more proactive rather than reactive to avoid foreseeable problems.
In the meantime a crime seen by all the people of Malta and more, have not been punished, yet. Nistennew u naraw.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Aug 16th 2012, 17:29
Well done Minister for what Mr. Midler? A local Warden alone would have done a better job.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Aug 16th 2012, 17:47
Mr. Midler, I thijnk the only ones welcoming Dr Azzopardi's letter are the hooliogans in the tents. They now have clear evidence that they can defy the courts and the government. To hell with law and order in this country!
Matt Borg
Aug 16th 2012, 16:38
What a joke my ex beloved govt has become! Hahahah 15 days! It just took me 5 days to settle all my furniture in a new house. Let alone a damn camp or gazebo.
If these don't have a permit they should be given just hours to evacuate, not 15 days! Why didn't he let them enjoy it till school re-starts ghal naqra?
And another question. Does the govt or mepa need to see this chaos on TV and newspapers to act? Or do they only employ office people to go through their daily 8 hour shift?
This is another black spot in our dear PM's legislature, and I can't wait for the moment to help to contribute in changing people at the helm of my country!
Henry S Pace
Aug 16th 2012, 16:35
' Action to remove camps expected within a few days '
If I am not mistaken there are 'Rules and Regulations' regarding campers in this countryon beaches and in the Countryside.
These Rules state that campers are allowed to set up their tents from sunrise to sunset.
The are prohibited to stay during the night.
Well I stand to be corrected.
However it is about time that the Authorities would make camping sites around the island especiall on
beaches.
This sites would be hired on daily basis . Amenities should be provided so that these campers would be accepted .on such beaches.
GL Calleja
Aug 16th 2012, 16:33
Why all the theatrics? These campsites should not have been there in the first place. I am very much against these ghetto camps but if you take these tents down then all illegal tent camps including those at Armier and other places should be dismantled. It is about time the government start acting like a government. This " We are Maltese and we do as we please " attitude must stop and stopped right now. The whole government has to stop pussyfooting around and make up their minds about what they want to do. This whole thing is becoming somewhat embarrassing and it does not seem to be going away. We face this same problem every summer and soon as summer is over the problem seems to be forgotten. The reasoning is that if you wait long enough the problem will go away but like terminal cancer the same problem always seems to come back. Let's face it, no government, PN, PL or AD has the cahunas to take on this illegal boathouse and illegal camping dilemma. And that is the real truth as I see it. Bring in the Mepa and the Army and start cleaning up, after summer is over nobody cares anymore. Another two weeks and Summer is over, then we start bitching about something else. Too many politics at stake.
anthony sultana
Aug 16th 2012, 16:32
It is all rubbish to buy time,when some one break the law , one will be arrested on the spot ,for shure they don"t tell you to break the law for a couple of weeks more, and than stop breaking the law and you will be fine.
Ms.D. Galea
Aug 16th 2012, 16:31
A water cannon might be just the thing to clean up that area that looks like it is in dire need of some freshening up.
D. Darmanin
Aug 16th 2012, 16:29
What about the illegal squatters elsewhere?!
Read and sign this petition now to get our msg across to the authorities:
https://www.change.org/petitions/malta-remove-illegal-boathouses-from-our-island
Victor Laiviera
Aug 16th 2012, 16:28
What does "a few days" mean, anyway?
GL Calleja
Aug 16th 2012, 17:01
That means when the Summer is over. What did you think it means?
Anthony Portelli
Aug 16th 2012, 17:54
prob when the new administration comes in (PL).
V Mercieca
Aug 16th 2012, 16:25
Yes "within a few days" when the bulk of the summer days are over and campers are preparing to go back home.
U halluna u kunu serji
Jeffrey Mallia
Aug 16th 2012, 16:24
Why risk loosing some votes ?? They are gonna accomodate them with at least another weekend ux ...
Mr Evan Camilleri
Aug 16th 2012, 16:20
and what about the illegal boathouses/villages .... when are they going to be removed???
GL Calleja
Aug 16th 2012, 17:03
Never. very few bullies there.
anthony sultana
Aug 16th 2012, 16:20
We have a law that say, if one agree with you out of fear that agreement don"t count, and that person that brought that fear on him or her suppose to be charge, with threat,it happen to lots of people.
Patrick Zammit
Aug 16th 2012, 16:19
Good, now how about removing the illegall "boathouses" built on public land at Armier?
GL Calleja
Aug 16th 2012, 17:16
Those illegal boathouses you talk about are somewhat legal because the government found it in their hearts to supply them with full utilities, such as electricity (meters and all) water and even connected sewer lines. This makes the government just as GUILTY for ABETTING and WILLFULLY SUPPLYING these utilities to these "ILLEGAL BOATHOUSES." (Caps intended) Don't kill the messenger. So, as far as removing any of these structures is, like they say in Maltese " Hoss fl-ilma. Too many votes at stake.
Adrian P. Cassar
Aug 16th 2012, 16:18
What about armier and the rest of our coast?
Peter Simpson
Aug 16th 2012, 16:18
About time as well; these should have been removed on their first night; or were the law and order police on shutdown as well?
Kurt Vella
Aug 16th 2012, 16:16
too many votes involved to act swiftly...let us bet that no action will be taken before September comes
C Sant
Aug 16th 2012, 16:29
On which side? Very strange the Moviment did not issue any statements, don't you think?
Adrian Grech
Aug 16th 2012, 16:10
jaqq xi kruwa ta xena.
din kien jonqos. ara ikunx hawn xi pittur u ipingija
Paul Borg
Aug 16th 2012, 16:05
Why does it have to take so long. If they did not obey the enforcement notice within 24 hrs, the Police should have confiscated the tents.
ANTHONY PAVIA
Aug 16th 2012, 16:05
Yes, just let the holiday weeks go by first. Then send in the rubbish men to clean up after these shanty village originators. Government is certainly providing them with a full service. Hekk, all votes count.
Jay Oatmon
Aug 16th 2012, 16:02
Excellent - if this eviction and retaking of public land goes as planned, then this action should also be applied to all other squatters camps in Malta.
In addition there should be no failure to prosecute violent offenders, even if their victims forgive them; it is not acceptable that intimidation can cause a prosecution to be sidelined under any circumstances where violence is involved.
V Mercieca
Aug 16th 2012, 16:27
In my opinion the law should be changed with urgency that when a crime is committed the police will take action irrespective if the victim forgave the attacker or not.
D. Darmanin
Aug 16th 2012, 16:30
https://www.change.org/petitions/malta-remove-illegal-boathouses-from-our-island
J Micallef
Aug 16th 2012, 16:00
Get a steam roller and solve the problem once and for all.
Just call Austin Gatt... :-)
J Farrugia
Aug 16th 2012, 16:10
Yeah all he needs to do is drive an Arriva bus close to them, they have a tendency to go off course , crash, disrupt, breakdown and generally be useless, a bit like the minister himself.
g gerhardfleck
Aug 16th 2012, 15:59
Act ..... NOW
This is the way to do it.
mario scerri
Aug 16th 2012, 15:59
Kien hemm bzonn persuna tissawwat? Biex il-Gvern jistembah u jiehu azzjoni?
Lawrence Fenech
Aug 16th 2012, 16:15
@Mario.
Illum hekk sirna kullhadd lest biex jerfa idejh fuq haddiehor ghax ma jirragunax u injorant ma jafx juza mohhu.
Martin Saliba
Aug 16th 2012, 19:19
Lawrence , mux dak il punt. Ha npogija mod iehor jien , kella tigi fuq il media din il bicca xol biex jitkecew dawn in nies li ed jokupaw art publika ? Minajr ma nireferi ghal dan il kas partikolari mux ta bxejn il percezjoni ta hafna maltin hija li il korruzjoni hija rampanti Malta ghax dawn lafarijiet hekk igaluk tahseb.
Joe Morana
Aug 16th 2012, 15:58
Good news indeed. At last good sense prevailed
R. Balzan
Aug 16th 2012, 15:54
What's the hurry? Let them enjoy the rest of the summer. Idiots.
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