Workers move in to demolish illegal structures on Victoria Lines
Contractors engaged by the Government Property Division (GPD) have started to remove illegal structures built on the historic Victoria Lines.
The GPD was spurred into action after Mepa threatened to take action against it as the landowner.
Workers moved in this morning to enforce a Mepa notice over an illegal wall, paving and gate at a house rented from the GPD at Habel Bies in Dwejra.
They also removed a terrace from an adjacent hut structure and reclaimed possession of the hut from a squatter.
Mepa Notice EC/262/96 was issued in March 1996 over the illegal construction of the open terrace, while EC/400/11 was issued in August 2011 for the fixing of a steel gate and the construction of a low limestone wall without planning permission.
The Times highlighted the structures on February 18.
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74 Comments
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Alfred Galea
Feb 27th, 13:23
Shame Shame Shame on Gonzi the biggest scandal is the buildings at the water edge at the Western Hotel
Martin Saliba
Feb 26th, 20:56
The media has the power to bring illegal structures down when mepa is twidling its thumbs . One of these structures was in the news not long ago where it was reported the the owner threatened tourists who took pictures .
GL Calleja
Feb 26th, 16:02
This illegal structure is in the middle of nowhere and yet MEPA found it necessary to take their equipment and a photographer with them to witness the operation. How pathetic is that? Mepa, you either start from the top down or stay home playing with your pencils if you know what I mean. Are we all a bunch of "CWIEC" not to see what is happening?
Dorielle Soler
Feb 26th, 16:50
Because things have to be SEEN to be done - I for one am PLEASED to see action finally taken, if you're not.
GL Calleja
Feb 26th, 17:56
Dorielle Soler you are very funny. What has to be seen? Half of Maltese structures are built illegally and yet you and MEPA only seem to see the property in the above picture? Have you ever seen the illegal boathouses and all the illegal construction built at every corner of Malta and Gozo. Open your eyes and you will be able to see. You know very little about illegal construction.
Peter Murray
Feb 26th, 19:32
Much more important than being seen is actually for things to be done -and much more quickly than this fiasco to rectify matters and apply the full meaning of the word ENFORCEMENT.For,as with justice, enforcement delayed is enforcement denied
Johnathan Cilia
Feb 26th, 15:34
I see that the small people, the squatters, are the ones who suffer. What about all the illegal structures built by bigger names and their ilk?
GL Calleja
Feb 26th, 15:50
Why are you calling the squatters victims? Victims of what? Occupying somebody else's property? Thanks to the MLP I have a squatter who has been living in my property since 1974 with the blessing of the government, of course. Get real. Do you have any idea what a squatter is? It is somebody who takes over somebody else's property without the owner's permission.
GL Calleja
Feb 26th, 15:56
Do you even have an idea what a squatter is? A squatter is somebody who takes over somebody else's private property without his or her permission. I know because in 1974 the MLP requisitioned my Dad's private property and let a squatter (one of their constituents) squat in Dad's private property and thanks to the Maltese cockeyed laws they are still there to this day and there is nothing I can do.
Michael Pace
Feb 26th, 14:41
Don't give your vote - not even third or fitth or tenth preference - to anyone who supports this rape of our countryside.
j brincat
Feb 26th, 14:25
One just wonders who built these illegal structures, more so since it has taken SO long to remove them!
jb
GL Calleja
Feb 26th, 15:57
Mr Brincat and where should they start, This whole country is full of illegal structures.
Mary Bisazza
Feb 26th, 13:59
There are illegal constructions all over the island. Amazing landscapes are being taken over by 'bullies' who do not fear MEPA because they bribe officials or MPs. The rest of us decent law abiding citizens are unable to have access to these areas. Take a look at Mtahleb, Rabat, Mtarfa, to name a few and see how many illegal buildings there are, some of which are now in commercial use
martin chetcuti
Feb 26th, 13:24
This shows one thing within the Mepa Enforcement department , there GROSS inefficiency.
This case has been since 1996 with an Enforcement and like this case are many others...
K.G. Vella
Feb 26th, 13:13
I wonder how come in all these years MEPA didn't notice a thing!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 26th, 17:23
They did because they issued an enforcement notice in1996 - but then forgot about it. Too busy seeing how to issue permits for the friends of friends.
Kenneth Azzopardi
Feb 26th, 13:08
What about the the illegal boat houses un Arnier and several other place when are the authorities going to action this is what we wish to know?
effie stafrace
Feb 26th, 12:50
once dr alfred sant said mepa is a state within a state.
Daniel Debono
Feb 26th, 15:06
With Joseph we will have two states within one state. One will be Mepa and the other one the new environmental arm taken away from Mepa.
GL Calleja
Feb 26th, 15:27
So it is! Mepa is a government agency which is turning out to be the government puppet with all strings attached. Same like Air Malta and guess who is pulling the strings?.
W. Cassar
Feb 26th, 16:36
@ Daniel
Good MEPA can't handle the environment!
Anne Farrugia
Feb 26th, 12:48
A lot needs to be demolished on the island and not only the boathouses and a handful of villas! More, much more than that! But who has the guts to do it? NO ONE! Because of the votes! Enjoy the urban jungle! :)
James Micallef
Feb 26th, 12:46
Excellent, now let's see them demolish all teh illegal boathouses in Armier, Dwejra etc etc
GL Calleja
Feb 26th, 15:32
Mepa does not care about those other places, they only challenge the helpless little man in the midst of Gozo. or a Girna built in the middle of nowhere. Pathetic. If I were the owner of that property I would sue Mepa for bias and prejudice against the one owner of this single piece of property. Mepa, all or nothing. You have to stop picking on the little man. It does not look good at all.
Victor Borg
Feb 26th, 12:42
What I find irksome is that MEPA only takes action when there is public exposure. Many illegal structures have existed for ages - there are businesses who do business from illegal developments - and nothing is done.
Joe A. Borg
Feb 26th, 12:28
Once in Dwejra, they might as well clean us the place... it realy needs it.
Joseph Micallef
Feb 26th, 12:25
New buildings are mushrooming again in Wied Ghomor San Gwann. Some years ago it was announced that more development is going to stop at this already ruined valley.
Mr Anthony Formosa
Feb 26th, 12:50
Exactly, and alternattiva Demoralizzata always complained about a few hunting hides. The valley is already ruined from all corners, starting with the school which is always expanding.
Alfred Fenech
Feb 26th, 12:53
Keep on the move. Maybe someday we will cleanup Malta and can see our beautifut country.
Emanuel Curmi
Feb 26th, 16:58
Dear Mr Formosa, can't you ever stick to a subject. Coming to think of it, the whole countryside is riddled with a 'few' hundreds, if not thousands of hunting hides. Broken window panes, corrugated iron, rusty barrels all contribute towards the beauty of our countryside and have become a symbol of traditional hunting and trapping in Malta.
E Schembri
Feb 26th, 12:20
Since 1996? Why does it take so long for action to be taken??
What about the illegal "boathouses"?
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 26th, 15:16
Action is only taken (1) when the media learn about the illegality and (2) when an election is close.
Jos Borg
Feb 26th, 12:06
It is only fair to demolish such illegal buildings and send them the bill for expenses.
A a charge should also be made for using this place for 16 years without any permit.
I hope that MEPA and the Government Property Division inform the public on the charge they will be sending the occupier of this terrace.
Both government entities have an endless list of illegal buildings.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 26th, 11:59
As usual under GonziPN, nothing happens until the media mentions things. This structure has been there for many years. I suppose a helping hand from MEPA for a very deperate PN is helpful. But it will not work for we all know that under GonziPN, our environment suffered worse attacks then in the last world war.Lets not forget how some were fooled on the eve of the last election by Gonzi and reform
Joseph John Camilleri
Feb 26th, 14:19
There many illegal eyesores since MIntoff's time and nothing was ever done since that time. Armier,Ghadira, St Thomas Bay besides others come to mind.
GL Calleja
Feb 26th, 15:45
It was during Mintoff's administration that the boathouse craze started, same time the same administration started requisitioning private properties to accommodate some of their constituents. After that the PN jumped on the band wagon and the rest is history.
Joseph N. Attard
Feb 26th, 11:56
Eyewash on the eve of the elections. So when is the government (and the opposition if in power) going to have the guts to demolish whole illegal shanty towns built on stolen public land?
Peter Murray
Feb 26th, 11:41
What was the mad rush to take action ?As only 17 years have passed since the enforcement notice?
JJ Debono
Feb 26th, 11:49
Yeah very funny ha ha ha ha better late then never
Peter Murray
Feb 26th, 13:25
Better sooner than later JJ
Charles Zammit
Feb 26th, 11:41
Who is going to pay for all this ?
GL Calleja
Feb 26th, 15:34
I am glad you asked. As always who else but the TAX PAYER?
Martin Saliba
Feb 26th, 21:00
GL Calleja , wrong . It is allways the resident , if there is and if known , who pays .
anthony sultana
Feb 26th, 11:39
2013 our so tiny islands are full of eyesores,25 years of PN government and still there just because the power.Geographically we are in the best spot of the world, but any previous government notice that?We don't have any resources but we have the land which we can make it worth like gold,if we remove all the eyesores, stop the birds killing and fully take care of our shores.I trust the AD only.
E Schembri
Feb 26th, 12:22
Same here, even though I don't agree with all aspects of AD
But its time to take the risk and vote AD!
Mr Anthony Formosa
Feb 26th, 12:54
Mr Sultana, trust AD and you can touch the green green grass of home -:)
C Pace
Feb 26th, 11:31
LOL
Michael Bonello
Feb 26th, 11:31
So are Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat going to join forces and fight illegal property? Like the slogan goes together we stand, this is what I wish to hear from both party’s not mud throwing
Jos Borg
Feb 26th, 11:59
Michael Bonello
You should have the decency to add that for the past 26 years we had a PN government. You should ask that to Dr Gonzi as he has all the power as Prime Minister.
As to Joseph Muscat, he is powerless and we have to wait and see. If he is elected and keeps both eyes completely shut for 26 years then everyone will agree with you.
Who do you think you are fooling? Yourself?
Wilfred Camilleri
Feb 26th, 12:33
Just, as if Muscat will tear down the Armier monstrosities? He has already said he will negotiate with the squatters. What is there to negotiate?
Jos Borg
Feb 26th, 12:47
@ Wilfred Camilleri
We have to wait and see. If the PL is elected, the general public should put the same pressure that was put to Gonzi, who did not budge.
The Armier saga has to end some day, and with a continuity of the present Gonzi government, I am sure that unfortunately this is not going to happen.
Let us hope.
GL Calleja
Feb 26th, 15:40
Mr Wilfred Camilleri neither Dr Lawrence Gonzi nor Dr Joseph Muscat has the guts to demolish any of the illegal properties, that is a known fact and that is the way it is. The only reason the AD threatens to demolish those illegal boat houses is because they know they do not have a prayer in hell that they will ever be elected to power. On the other hand MEPA is scared of their own shadow.
Jos Borg
Feb 26th, 16:30
@ CL Calleja
How do you know whether Joseph Muscat will not have the guts to remove shanty towns which have mushroomed over the past 26 years?
Only a year ago government tried to build a sub-station for Armier boathouses.
Muscat preaches "a new way of doing politics" and Malta being the best in Europe. He said he will look into agreements concluded by Gonzi with the Armier shanty town reps.
GL Calleja
Feb 26th, 18:06
@ Jos Borg
Myself and I think 90% of Malta would like to dare Joseph Muscat to have the guts to remove shanty towns which have mushroomed over the past 26 years and beyond. Talk is very cheap and a lot of people do a lot of talking but they cannot do the walking. Joseph Muscat has less than three weeks to make that commitment, and if he does it might win him the election.
Victor Laiviera
Feb 26th, 11:29
Just change the word "Christmas" to "election"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vGPplLaVC0
D Portelli
Feb 26th, 11:23
Mepa should take action on all the illegal buidlings.
Malta and Gozo are filled with illegal or not built according to the permit, actions should be taken for everyone.
J. Camilleri
Feb 26th, 11:03
gonzi ma qalx li min kien ghamel 'irregularity' ihallas multa u jiegu il-permess. Jien xbajt nara postijiet li ilhom gebel u safaq snin twal u issa alla jbierek, qed jitkahhlu u jitkomplew
viva gonzi!
K.G. Vella
Feb 26th, 10:58
My, how obvious it is that the election is less than a couple of weeks away!
fredu debono
Feb 26th, 10:58
u l-kmamar llegali meta se jibdew jitwaqqghu? hemm xi gvern minnkom li lest kif jitla jwaqqaghhom, ghax dik l-art jien ghandi sehemi hemm bhala malti.
J Schembri
Feb 26th, 11:06
meta ikun em xi hadd bil guts u jamel dak li jemen fih minajr ma jibza li jitlef il voti !!
AD.
issa jekk vera temen li ghandek sehem min dik l-art ... taf lil min ghandek tafda habib
anthony sultana
Feb 26th, 10:34
This happen because the AD green party .PN is afraid of loosing votes to the green party.If we support the green party ,definitly all illegal boats houses will be removed and the countrysides will go back to the public to enjoy all year around.If they can demolish this one,what is stoping them from demolish the rest of them?Armier,Dwejra and others which are all over the islands.
J Schembri
Feb 26th, 10:47
so on the 9th of March, make a wise choice : )
J Schembri
Feb 26th, 10:33
waqajna kamra u bnejna 25 villa ftit il fuq min fejn jider fir ritratt !!
laqwa li "sar" environmental impact assessment ... min nies li jigu jaqaw u jqumu mil ambejnt !!!
Anne Farrugia
Feb 26th, 12:46
J Schembri why don't people name & shame - bil-kbir imma! fuq bill boards!!!!
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 26th, 15:18
Anne, there is only one name to name and shame: MEPA. It is responsible for issuing the permits - by the boards nominated by GonziPN.
Matthew Micallef
Feb 26th, 10:31
Really?!?! Demolish a terrace but not the block of buildings being built in Madliena, right ON TOP of the Victoria Lines?!?! Hypocrisy is what motivates the people leading this country!!
laurent caruana
Feb 26th, 10:45
Seems you know the facts on this particular building!
J Schembri
Feb 26th, 10:51
@ laurent Caruana
with or without MEPA permit, those villas are a huge mess !! . no excuses
joe vella
Feb 26th, 10:24
The action has only been taken because The Times exposed the irregularity and the arrogance that went along with it
had I done something similar mepa would have moved in straight away
here it took them 17 years and an election on the doorstep!
R. Cilia
Feb 26th, 16:03
My thoughts exactly!
A. MICALLEF
Feb 26th, 10:24
Wara hemmhekk issa komplu sejrin L-Armier. Dottor Gonzi u Dottor Muscat flimkien
ohorgu publikalment u flimkien ordnaw it-twaqqieh tal-bini llegali fl-Armier qabel
l-elezzjoni. Jekk ma tghamlux hekk, allura it-tnejn flimkien ma inthomx kredibbli u
titqiesu bhala komplici ta serq u ksur tal-ligi.
twanny borg
Feb 26th, 10:23
Nispera li l-hlas biex jitnehha dan jithallas minn min ghamlu u jehel multa.
Malcolm Seychell
Feb 26th, 10:23
Demolish them all and not only a few.
Joe Scerri
Feb 26th, 10:17
Why did it take 15 years for action to be taken? We have a similar situation in our street and despite sending photos to MEPA and MP's no action has ever been taken despite enforcement notices being issued years ago.
Please choose the reason of your report below: