Land grab now in full swing

Late last summer we had yet another pledge from the previous administration informing us of an intended (this being the operative word) “crackdown” on the large-scale expropriation of public land (beaches in this case) by the lido operators and beach concessionaires throughout the island.

The recent spell of fine weather has readily identified how hollow these pledges ring and how unfulfilled they are when one considers the prevailing situation at these sites. This is clearly worrying.

For (with apologies to woods everywhere – but not here as they no longer exist, having been chopped down by developers) – if one goes down to the beach today you are sure of a big surprise!

To see what I am referring to just check out the beach at Għadira (the whole length) as well as those in Armier (both Little and Big) to see the extent to which this land-grab is already in full swing, and with impunity.

Who is monitoring these new landowners’ (aka lido operators’) activities? Who is enforcing the regulations as laid down in conditions of operation for beach concessions? Incidentally, these conditions make for interesting reading given the many purported restrictions and limitations laid down in regulations.

The regulations say they can only provide sunbeds and umbrellas when requested and not pre-lay a great many of them out – and in all the prime beach locations either at, or very near, the water’s edge – in anticipation of them being hired out. Who ensures that the beach area allotted to each beach concessionaire remains as stated and that the regulations attached to such an operating licence are complied with?

We need vigilant and robust enforcement of these regulations to give the public land back to the people and we need it now before the summer season kicks in properly.

But whose responsibility is this and will they do their duty?