Updated - Major sites to be classified as 'sites in the public domain'
Dr Azzopardi launches the White Paper, flanked by Astrid Vella from FAA and Mario Farrugia from Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna.
Updated - Adds comments by NGOs - Historical buildings are to be classified as ‘property in the public domain’ which cannot be transferred to the private sector except by ad hoc legislation, Lands Minister Jason Azzopardi said today.
Fort BingemmaThe proposal is at the heart of a White Paper launched by the ministry today.
Dr Azzopardi told a press conference that such legislation would place the government under closer scrutiny when it planned to transfer historic properties.
It would also prevent a repeat of what happened in 1981 when Fort Bingemma and Fort Benghajsa were transferred for use as animal breeding farms.
The minister said the two forts are to return to the government as vacant possession in the near future.
The minister said the designation of public domain would apply to fortifications and sites of natural beauty or cultural importance.
WHITE PAPER WELCOMED BY NGOS
The Ministry said the White Paper had been welcomed by NGOs.
It quoted Vince Attard, president of Nature Trust, as saying this was a courageous decision by the government aimed at greater transparency.
Simone Mizzi, president of Din L-Art Helwa said this reflected political commitment to protect the national heritage and curtail abuse.
Mario Farrugia of FWA welcomed the fact that the new law would better define which land and properties were in the public domain.
Astrid Vella said the new law would lead to better management of historic sites.
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23 Comments
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Mari Debrincat
Dec 4th 2012, 13:19
Roman Cassar tista' tghdili x'fiha hazin li postijiet storici bhas-Saluting Battery jintuzaw sabiex fihom jinzammu ricevimenti ecc? Taf li fid-dinja kollha dan isir fil-muzewijet, kastelli, palazzi, knejjes, kattidrali w siti ohra halli minn imexxihom ikun jista' jiggenera' aktar fondi ghat-tmexxija u l-manteniment taghhom? http://www.salutingbattery.com/weddings--events-hiring.html.
Emanuel Dimech
Dec 4th 2012, 13:12
Sur Laiviera nassigurak li ghas-Saluting Battery kont qed nghid mhux ghall-Barrakka ta' Fuq. Nahseb ahjar tiddikjara inti x'ghandek kontra il-Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna ghax ma' titlifx okkazjoni wahda sabiex tikritikaha. Dan wara li taghmel tant xoghol ta' gid.
Ronnie Callus
Dec 4th 2012, 08:28
Onor J.Azzopardi,anke art li qed tinhadem minn bdiewa / nies minghajr titlu minnhabba ta'sidien mitlufa u allura ma'jhallsu lil hadd messha titiehed mill-Gvern u jhallsu ta'l-uzu taghha lilhu biex b'hekk il-gvern jigbor flus ghal uzu tal-pajjiz u barra minnhekk jkollna inventarju tajjeb ta'l-art f'Malta.Din ghandha titiehed inkonsiderazzjoni fil- 'White Paper' biex issir gustiuzzja ma'kulhadd.
Ronnie Callus
Dec 4th 2012, 08:42
Bil-mezzi ta'llum facli jsib il-gvern din l-art fejn qeda u jekk qedtx issir xi forma ta' hlas lil xi hadd. Ikun pass aqli mill-gvern jekk isir dan l-ezerrcizzju. Proset Onorevoli tax-xoghol li qed taghmel.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Dec 4th 2012, 06:44
Let us hope that government will recover for public use the interior cliff edge at Mellieha Heights, access to which has recently been denied by a low wall across a hundred year old wide passage cut in solid rock and constantly scrutinised by CCTV cameras.
p grima
Dec 3rd 2012, 23:20
Along with the other sites mentioned below, what about Australia Hall, which was so generously donated by the MLP Government to the same MLP?
Victor Laiviera
Dec 4th 2012, 08:54
False - 100%
Australia Hall was not "donated" it was exchanged for a large tract of land at Marsa and the almost-newly constructed MLP Headquarters to allow the building of the Marsa Shipbuilding Yard.
p grima
Dec 4th 2012, 23:08
I think you are wrong probably because you look only through red glasses.
Australia Hall was given to the MLP so that they could build their headquarters since they had to vacate the Macina. But now they do not need Austalia Hall any more since they have their headquarters. I believe they still own Australia Hall notwithstanding.
John Azzopoardi
Dec 3rd 2012, 21:45
There are many laws on record but historical buildings still got demolished even though they were protected. Laws mean little if they are not enforced
Francis Farrugia
Dec 3rd 2012, 19:50
Sur Dimech, Inti Tghix Malta jew barra min Malta. Sa issa it-tigijiet li saru hemm ma jinghoddux.
Emanuel Dimech
Dec 4th 2012, 08:07
Mhux talli nghix Malta imma inkun il-Barrakka ta' Fuq kwazi kuljum kemm filghodu u kif ukoll filghaxija u dawn it-tigijiet kollha li qed isemmi inti qatt ma' rajthom. Naf li gieli kien hemm xi attivitajiet socjali fis-Sajf imma wahdiet fil-week-end. U b'daqsekk x'hemm hazin? Attivitajiet bhal dawn isiru f'postijiet bhal dawn fid-dinja kollha jew inti qatt ma' sifirt forsi?
Victor Laiviera
Dec 4th 2012, 09:02
Mr Dimech, qed tħallat il-Barrakka mas Saluting Battery.
GL Calleja
Dec 3rd 2012, 18:40
Minister Azzopardi does this mean that the people will get control of the Historical Selmun Palace. This Majestic and Historical Palace should by all means belong to the People of Malta and not to a private party, which is Air Malta, which belongs to the Maltese Government in the first place. Do something right and return this Magnificent Palace back to the Malta Heritage before it crumbles away.
Victor Laiviera
Dec 3rd 2012, 16:43
To be honest, I am disappointed to see Astrid Vella alongside an establishment figure. NGOs should keep their distance and avoid endorsing certain pre-election gimmicks.
Emanuel Dimech
Dec 4th 2012, 08:14
What's wrong with Astrid Vella being present at this conference Victor? In my opinion it shows that she is maturing or does she have to carry on opposing evrything for you to keep her dear?
Victor Laiviera
Dec 4th 2012, 09:01
Mr Dimech, it is offensive and patronising to hint that Astrid Vella needs to mature. People like her are infinitely more mature than people who are ready to accept whatever the authorities throw at them with a docile bowed head.
Having said that, yes, I believe that NGOs should keep a distance form the establishment to avoid the impression of endorsing vote-catching measures like this one.
Tarcisio Mifsud
Dec 3rd 2012, 16:42
How about stop requisitioning private people's property with an excuse of public requirement. If ever government take a minister's property, he is paid good money soon after, the case of Ninu Zammit cannot be forgotten. Then there are hundreds whose land has been taken ages ago, and they are offered peanuts. That is very unfair.
Victor Rodenas
Dec 3rd 2012, 16:18
What about Manoel Island ?When is the public going to be allowed in, to enjoy the place or just for a swim.
M Formosa
Dec 4th 2012, 08:16
So true. When growing up in the 50's and 60's we loved exploring, swimming, you name it on Manoel island, it was so much cleaner then, what a pity to see it now in such a state of abandonment.
Victor Laiviera
Dec 3rd 2012, 15:47
What about the Upper Barrakka saluting Battery which has been turned into a wedding venue off-limits to the public?
Are we going to get that back?
Victor Falzon
Dec 3rd 2012, 16:11
Yes and what about Fort Chambray? Too many gaffes at the moment from different departments seeking to blow their trumpet before the election. Using the analogy of a football field: the final whistle (election) is approaching and Minister Azzopardi (the Government/PN) should be careful not to play the ball around in his penalty area lest he commits an auto goal!
Emanuel Dimech
Dec 3rd 2012, 17:11
What wedding venue Victor? As far as I know the Saluting Battery has been lovingly restored by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna to its former glory complete with its cannon. Before this place was a desolate one to which very few would venture. I enjoy taking my young children to see the daily gun firing whenever we are Valletta and I wish to thank wirt artna for it.
Romano Cassar
Dec 3rd 2012, 18:12
Mr Emanuel Dimech, have a look here regarding the wedding venue:
http://www.salutingbattery.com/weddings--events-hiring.html
The going price is apparently €3,500, although some people have reported higher prices. You might want to treat your children to a wedding there when the time comes.
Please choose the reason of your report below: