I would like to draw the attention of the Land Department to the fact that a supposedly declared public road has been closed tothe public.

The road in question is in Girgenti and has recently been closed by a steel gate. It leads from Girgenti Road to the Inquisitor’s Palace, which is the Prime Minister’s summer residence, and has been so for the past 27 years.

Apart from the picturesque and panoramic views of our beautiful island and of the renowned Girgenti Valley that the area offers, which are enjoyed by both the public and tourists, it is the main access road to the fields of about a dozen farmers who use this access on a daily basis to cultivate their land.

These farmers are facing great difficulties to navigate their machinery and vehicles to access their fields. They have been constrained to use an alternative access, being the main entrance leading to the Inquisitor’s Palace.

The problem is highly compounded when mass functions are organised at this palace because tractors and other farm vehicles, which are sometimes loaded with manure, have to pass through crowds of people attending such functions. Sometimes, this alternative entrance will also be closed by mobile toilets, refrigerated catering vans and other vehicles required for the functions.

To add insult to injury, the farmers have already been warned that, during such events, they may not be granted access through this alternative entrance, thus leaving them with no access to their fields.

Here’s hoping that the Land Department will take immediate action against those responsible for closing this public road.