More than 100 plots of unused land that had been expropriated by the government to build roads, between the 1950s and 1980s, are being returned to their rightful owners.

Transport Minister Austin Gatt said this was a “unique” government initiative as the land was being released even though there had been no request from the owners.

He explained that the land, about 115 plots covering 40 tumoli, had been identified by a team of architects who were examining unused expropriated land to determine whether it was needed by the government.

This process was still underway and more plots may be released, he said.

Minister Jason Azzopardi, responsible for land, said the owners of the plots had just been notified. Some expressed surprise as they did not know their parents or grandparents owned the land.

No payment had been made to the owners at the time of the expropriation, with the oldest dating back to 1954 in Żabbar. The plots include 24 in Mosta and 20 in Mtarfa. Some are within development zones.

Dr Azzopardi said the government was also still in the process of compensating landowners whose land had been expropriated for use in home ownership schemes.

Last month €3 million were paid out in compensation to owners of expropriated land in Żurrieq, Nadur and Gudja. In this way, the owners of the houses built on the land of these localities could finally become full owners.