Mepa enforcement officers had cleared debris and waste dumped illegally in large open sites in Birkirkara and Bidnija.

In Bidnija, in an ODZ area known as 'Tal-Hireb', Mepa said two adjacent parcels of land were returned to their original state for agricultural use. The two sites were slapped with enforcement notices in 2011 after disused vehicles, mechanical parts, ancillary equipment, concrete slabs and large amounts of inert material were illegally placed on site.

After the enforcement notices were issued, one of the site owners had requested planning permission to deposit soil and building material on the land. The application had been turned down by the Environment and Planning Commission.

Mepa said another operation was carried out at another large open site in Birkirkara which is surrounded by residences. The enforcement officers demolished illegal structures and pigeon lofts and removed unlicensed vehicles and open paddocks. Livestock including horses, ponies, rabbits, chickens and pigeons, which were being kept in these illegal rooms were relocated by their owners under the surveillance of the Animal Welfare Department and vets.

On both occasions, the respective owners cooperated fully with the Enforcement Directorate’s officials, Mepa said.