Lights out at campsite
One of Malta’s only two legal campsites cannot offer a full-blown luxury camping experience as it has to rely on generators for electricity supply.
The Malta Campsite, situated right at the tip of L-Aħrax in Mellieħa, in an area known as Torri l-Abjad, can accommodate about 100 camping spots but the electricity supply grid in the area can only cater for four caravans.
“The problem with the Maltese is that the concept of camping is not exactly back to nature,” says campsite owner Vince Vella.Vince Vella, owner of the multipurpose campsite, which offers space for caravans, mobile homes and tents against a fee, said that he had to switch on a generator every day.
“For the past eight years, we have been operating 90 per cent on generators, on a daily basis. There is no proper electricity supply. What there is only caters for street lights,” he said.
This is a stumbling block for the campsite, which offers mobile homes with power point facilities and other amenities such as a laundry room. “I have to restrict the power and cannot offer all the facilities that this €2 million site is equipped with.”
The power problem stems from the fact that there is no electricity substation in the area and, earlier this year, the planning authority refused a permit for such a substation in the area.
“There is no sufficient justification for the proposed development of a substation in this particular site, which will take up further virgin land outside the development zone,” a spokesperson for the Malta Environment and Planning Authority said.
Vince Vella at the Malta Campsite in Mellieħa.But Mr Vella believes that this decision is influenced by the 400 or so illegal boat houses in the Armier area. “Until they are regularised, then, no new substation will be built in the north of Malta,” he said, explaining that the problem does not only affect him but about 60 farmers in the area. “They need to use their water pumps,” he said.
The absence of a substation also means there are no drainage facilities. “I have to use a cesspit, meaning additional costs to get a bowser to clean it up,” he said.
Illegal boat houses resort to digging holes in the ground and then throw it in the sea. “The sea is a mess in summer here,” he said.
The Maltese character being what it is, he said, the demand for electricity supply when camping is very high. “The problem with the Maltese is that the concept of camping is not exactly back to nature: they bring with them their grillioso, toaster and washing machine,” he said.
“I’d need a whole power station to cater for those needs,” he joked, adding that it is not the first time that campers bring in their sofas and armchairs.
“They want to carry their houses to the campsite,” he said.
This seems to be an issue even for the other official campsite in Għajn Tuffieħa run by the Scout Association of Malta.
The scouts say that campers are allowed to make reasonable use of the water and electricity points available at the campsite, provided that the usage is “reasonable”. “For the record, we do not consider washing your car, filling up jerrycans of water to use off-site, use of flood lights or any other high-consumption appliance to be reasonable use in a campsite,” they say.
Where can you camp – legally – in Malta?
The only legal places to camp are the Malta Campsite in Mellieħa and Għajn Tuffieħa Scouts’ sites, both against payment. Once you register you are allotted a camping spot.
There is no formal list of legal camping sites. “A site either has full development permission as a camping site, such as the Torri l-Abjad and Għajn Tuffieħa (scouts) sites, or it doesn’t,” said a Mepa spokesperson.
It is possible, however, to organise one-off camping activities. If these are within a special conservation area, permission from the planning authority as well as the local council is needed.
If the site is not in such a zone, then the local council by-laws and the Police Code would apply.
Local councils and government agencies can submit applications for caravan and camping sites between June 1 and September 30, as long as they are accompanied by management plans that show how waste and litter are disposed. This is the method applied for the site in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.
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38 Comments
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joe borg
Sep 25th 2012, 08:54
Does this place have a All Year Round permit ? Or a seasonal one ?
Paul Ellul
Sep 25th 2012, 08:18
In a Country of 400,000, we have it seems 400,000 ways to bother each other. Cannot we get on with our own affairs instead of telling those around us what they should do and how they should live?
Those who wish to camp out in the Countryside should be respected, as those who wish to stay in the comfort of their homes should also be respected. And those who want a bit of both, and stay in a facility that offers showers and laundry should also be respected.
the article was about how the camp site is not served with an adequate power supply.
In the EU, there are 100's of 1,000's of camp sites and in all of the 27 Countries except Malta, camping is permitted on public lands.
So in the end, our Citizens and other EU citizens don't have the same opportunity that exists in the other 26 EU Countries.
And that is what should be discussed here, not what I have against my neighbour and how he should spend his weekends & free time.....
Andrew Grech
Sep 25th 2012, 10:16
Well said Mr. Ellul !!! Couldn't agree more !!
c s staines
Sep 24th 2012, 22:20
Check out the camp site's website:
http://www.maltacampsite.com/mobilehomes.asp
The owner is actually putting up the camp site's space for sale by allowing one to plant a mobile home on it. This is as bad if not worse than the illegal boat houses. Mepa should look into this and stop this type of development before it is too late as is usually the case in Malta. Mepa wake up and do not be taken for a ride!
David Elden
Sep 25th 2012, 11:25
How can it be possibly comparted to the illegal boat houses - everything on the camsite is legal and controlled.
David Elden
Sep 25th 2012, 11:27
You shpuld take time and trouble in learning - why people like to pay to enjoy such activities!!!!
Martin Galea De Giovanni
Sep 24th 2012, 20:19
...is that a camper or a proper house I see in the background. If you want to go camping and take all gadgets with you, might as well not bother and stay at home.
Tony Borg
Sep 24th 2012, 17:37
This guy does not rent out any TENTS any more, he just rents out other people's caravans that are left on his site on annual basis.
These caravan are equipped with full kitchens etc etc......
That is why he needs electricity so badly.
A Borg
Sep 24th 2012, 16:00
i'm sure if this guy is ready to pay for the sub-station enemalta would have no problems to supply it.as usual every one want everything free.
David Elden
Sep 25th 2012, 11:29
Yes there is obviously a demand from people who enjoy these avtivities and are prepared to pay to keep thing legal etc.
David Elden
Sep 25th 2012, 11:30
what abouit the camp user-he pays the taxes too.
Ms Maria Vella
Sep 24th 2012, 14:37
Electricity and Camping do not go together, camping is all about enjoying nature and the surroundings and living simply for a couple of days.....u mela bil grigioloso - OH MY GOD U leeeee
Mr Ernest Vella
Sep 24th 2012, 14:12
Camping ma taghmilx sense li jkollu power supply!!!
Andrew Grech
Sep 24th 2012, 14:11
What should be, is to have more designated camping zones around Malta & Gozo !! I have been to both paid for camp sites (Mellieha & Ghajn tuffieha (scouts)) & also at l-Ahrax with permit issued by the Mellieha local council. I must say, I will never return to Mellieha camp site. Too many people & crammed spaces, plus, having your camp surrounded by caravans is also not nice. In contrast, I must congratulate the Malta Scouts association for the excellent job they're doing with managing the camp site at Ghajn Tuffieha. Spacious camping plots, well kept premises & very nice area. Another 2 thumbs up for the afforestation project currently ongoing at the same camp site. Well done & keep it up !! I'll be back for sure. However, more camp sites are needed for the camping fans around Malta. why can't the government pick another 3 or 4 areas around our Island & manage them with his own resources (local councils & wardens) ??? Is it so hard to have a few camp sites, which are only permitted to camp on by means of a permit, issued by the relevant local council & monitored by local wardens. When I camp at l- ahrax, the Mellieha local council knows exactly from which to which time & date, I'm on the camp site. Wardens can then be dispatched to monitor accordingly. If any irregularities are found, hefty fines shall be imposed on those commiting any irregularities. Is it so hard to manage such a system or something of its sort ?!?!?!? Altough I like the campsite at Ghajn Tuffieha, I think it would be nice to have a few more places to go to.
joe briffa
Sep 24th 2012, 12:46
Not becase its a campsite and I have nothing about camping,but I still think its hilariously stupid to have campers as big as buses ,and also make camping site in this very limited space we have,let alone all those illegal buildings,containers that occupy near torri abjad,what is this mayhem of people occupying public territory in Armier,Mellieha,and evrywhere else by the sea on this small suffocating island? So the cpuntryside is invaded with trigger happy sadists in Winter,and summer with invaders that occupy our beaches
Simon Ciantar
Sep 24th 2012, 12:42
calling it a campsite is a joke - its only another caravan site . Camping there mens being squashed in between caravans - its pathetic - locals and especially foreigners are misled if they come to Malta thinking they can stay here in this campsite , it must defintely be one of the worse campsite i have ever seen . I understand the problem they have with lack of space , but they should not call it a campsite and simply cater for caravans , its the usual Maltese malady of trying to be everything for everyone .... im sorry but it just doe nt work.
C Cassar
Sep 24th 2012, 14:08
Totally agree. There simply isn't the space for these facilities in Malta. They destroy and pollute the environment because the Maltese simply will not follow a single regulation about anything.
K. Bugeja
Sep 24th 2012, 16:24
totally agree. there are not even trees. I go to campsites abroad and this on in Malta isn't even part of them. for me it is not a campsite but i can compare it to Hal Far where there are living Illegal Immigrants. And what about the road which leads to this campsite. When I stayed abroad in campsites all the roads leading to 35 of these campsites were all well builded with nice tarmac. and what about the rates? much less than this one. I hope the government work harder so that we will finally have a nice camping area.
from here I really thank the Local Counsil of Mellieha that they organised their website so that we can book online to camp at tat tunnara area at ahrax. I really thank them and please keep it up. thanks so much.
David Elden
Sep 24th 2012, 12:36
Mr Mario Tabone-Vassallo's view is a slightly narrow minded one. Why should Malta be the only country in the world where its ordinary citizens cannot enjoy the camping or caravanning experience, more especially if you live in an apartment as many of us do without even having a balcony or a roof to enjoy.. We PAY for the privilege of camping at the Maltacampsite. Mellieha (www.maltacampsite.com) Here we enjoy the use of showers, a water supply,electricity, drainage facilities,waste disposal and more - just like that which is available in other advanced societies, Yes all services are PAID for by the users. This is in complete contrast to the rather unruly illegal camp-sites set up all around the country by people who have stolen the land and in some cases steel the electricity & water,whilst in the process throwing their waste into the street and worse into the sea.
It is about time we headed into the 21st Century by creating legal caravan and camping sites run like the Maltacampsite and rid the countryside of the illegal ones.
In addition i have many relatives and friends in the UK who would love to bring their touring caravans to Malta. There is also a large demand for caravan accommodation for long term Winter holidays which can be enjoyed in other Mediterranean countries and this would be a boost for our tourism.
Liz WallikerG
Sep 24th 2012, 21:39
You have to be kidding, touring caravans all the way from the UK? You'd have to be mad on these roads never mind 2 ferry journeys. Stick to France where they cater brilliantly for both campers and drivers
J Scicluna
Sep 24th 2012, 12:11
Kemm kien isbah hemm qabel saret campsite!
R. Azzopardi
Sep 24th 2012, 12:03
One solid reason why I never chose to camp at designated camping spots. camping is supposed to be a back to basics experience. I once had the displeasure of having a family pitch a tent next to me and they were playing playstation games all night long. For Christ's sakes people, LEAVE YOUR GENERATORS, TELEVISIONS, GAMING CONSOLES AND SIMILAR CRAP BEHIND and enjoy the silence for once in a while.
Ray Buhagiar
Sep 24th 2012, 12:43
A simple walk in the countryside is enough to go back to basics experience.
Andrej Psaila
Sep 24th 2012, 13:49
Spot On!!!
Bernard J Schranz
Sep 24th 2012, 14:17
I concur with you R. Azzopardi. Camping is all about being one with nature.
It's purpose is total relaxation and using creative means to get by whilst employing camping skills to make one's life during the camping period a pleasurable and different experience.
If one cannot detach from their home environment, then it is best that they do not go camping. Camping should not be seen as a cheap alternative for going on holiday in a hotel or other residential facility lugging along half their appliances.
There are also other considerations that campers should observe including Health and Safety measures. Many people seem oblivious to this and in neglecting H&S procedures endanger not only themselves but others too.
We need a change in mentality with regards to camping, such that it should enable us to protect the environment not threaten it with wanton rubbish left lying around after people strike camp. In fact, true campers would usually leave a campsite in a much better condition and state than they found it themselves.
Meanwhile, as far as I am aware, the camp site at l-Ahrax tal-Mellieha was intended for tents not caravans. At least not on the level that the caravans have taken over the place. If the place had retained the area for tents, I am sure that they would not have required any additional power, more so if they had imposed restrictions on the use of certain appliances.
Paul Camilleri
Sep 24th 2012, 11:31
Is this another indirect attempt to request Enemalta to build a substation to cater for the needs of the illegal boathouses at Armier?
mark johnson
Sep 24th 2012, 12:20
Don't they have an electric supply there already?
Peter Murray
Sep 24th 2012, 11:20
Why wasn't the owner of ther campsite aware of these problems before he set up his operation on the site in question ?Why should the illegal "boathouses£ be regularised to accommodate a substation to then allow his site main grid electricity ?What message would this send out -simply set up a campsite to get an electricity supply substation built perhaps, irrespective of any illegal structures?
C Cassar
Sep 24th 2012, 11:17
Camping in Malta is pointless. You're only ever a maximum of 40mins away from home, so overnight you can return there, no need to camp.
The Maltese need to realise that being such a small island, certain activities aren't sustainable or reasonable. These include camp sites, motor racing tracks and hunting.
If you want to go camping, do it properly in other parts of Europe where there are real forests, woodlands, rivers etc and also properly regulated camp sites with decent facilities.
Just face up to it rather than ruin the environment in Malta as described in this article.
Robert Mifsud
Sep 24th 2012, 12:36
Camping in Malta is great. There are great spots around Malta where you can enjoy camping.
Your argument does not stand. You can still enjoy a camp even if you are only a few minutes away from home. Sleeping in a camp, cook on wood and enjoy the company of your friends around a bonfire away from civilization is great fun.
Proper camping activity does not ruin the environment.
R. Azzopardi
Sep 24th 2012, 13:12
Well said Mr. Mifsud.
C Cassar, your argument is totally pointless. Oneo f the joys of camping is waking up in beautiful surroundings. By sleeping at home, you're defeating the purpose.
I may agree with you that we do not need proper campsites though. Most of our camping trips take place over 2 days. We do not need to get laundry done and neither do we need full blown showers and toilets.
C Cassar
Sep 24th 2012, 14:05
Sorry but I disagree. You can't get away from 'civilisation' in Malta. It's the most densely populated country in the whole of Europe. Additionally, the Maltese don't seem to understand camping rules. They invariably leave rubbish lying around, even you mentioned making bonfires which is a complete no-no. These can easily cause brush/vegetation fires, so that is extremely irresponsible. Proper camping stoves must be used.
I really can't believe you're starting fires in the Maltese (very limited) countryside.
Andrew Grech
Sep 24th 2012, 14:36
A proper responsible camper knows how to build, use & dispose of a campfire & leave the
campsite as was before. What there should be, is proper enforcement backed up by hefty fines & not ban caping from all over Malta.
How would you like it, if someone had to take awayone of your hobbies.
I totally agree with Mr. Mifsud.
C Cassar
Sep 24th 2012, 14:55
If the Maltese can't be trusted to respect a natural habitat (as is clearly the case) then yes, camping should be outlawed.
Mr Jamie Frendo
Sep 24th 2012, 15:38
Camping in Malta is like snorkling in a swimming pool.........pointless you're better off going to a nice spot and doing everything else you would do while camping and at the end of the evening drive 15 - 30 mins home and get a good nights comfortable sleep.
Andrew Grech
Sep 24th 2012, 16:43
@ Jamie Frendo
Obviously, you don't understand the fun of camping. I've been camping & I've been to weekend breaks in hotels. If I had to choose, it's camping all the way !! (even if the weekend break in a hotel is free).
victor bonello
Sep 24th 2012, 10:36
is this public or private land?
Mario Tabone-Vassallo
Sep 24th 2012, 09:47
Malta pajjiz ckejken wisq biex jinhtieg inhawi ghal karavanijiet. Ma nistghux noholqu problema fejn mhux mehtieg, iktar u iktar li ghax fl-UE ma nistghux dejjem naghmlu li rridu wara, kif ghandu jkun, wara kollox. Il-Gvern ma ghandux jippermetti dawn l-izviluppi f'pajjizna. Nibza' iktar meta jissejhu 'multipurpose’
Please choose the reason of your report below: