Luke Sant, the Land Department employee allegedly occupying a sizeable farm in Bidnija that is public property, yesterday dodged questions about how he had acquired the key to the farmhouse’s padlock.

The Times of Malta on Monday reported allegations that a Land Department employee had taken over a farmhouse with land spread over 12 tumoli (close to 14,000 square metres) in Bidnija – a prime site where land has significant market value.

Mr Sant was seen on site, making “improvements” to the area with his grandfather, John Mary Vella.

They could gain access to the government property because, according to sources, they possess the key to the padlock placed there by the same department that employs him.

Mr Sant is a technician at the department’s Estate Management Office. Yesterday, the Times of Malta called the department and asked him how he had acquired the key but he kept saying these were only “claims” .

He refused to budge despite being told witnesses had seen him as well as several trucks carrying rubble and building material to the site, which led to two reports filed with the planning authority. Mepa said it would not take action since this was “not development”.

The government said two weeks ago that an investigation would be held. Yet it was only yesterday, after this newspaper had published the story, that department officials went on site.

A tender must be issued before anyone can take over use of public property, according to the law. This was never done.

The Land Department initially said the file (reference number 1473/97) was “lost”.

The Planning Parliamentary Secretariat made no comment on this.

Conversation with Luke Sant

Luke Sant (LS): Yes?

Journalist: Hello. Times of Malta. Could you explain how you acquired the keys to the Bidnija property belonging to the Land Department that you are making use of together with your grandfather, John Mary Vella?

LS: [silence]

Journalist: Hello? I’m referring to the article carried on our front page. That’s about you and your grandfather.

LS: These are only claims.

Journalist: Witnesses saw you on the property with your grandfather. They also saw you open the padlock on the property put there by the department you work for.

LS: These are only claims.

Journalist: This is public property. Don’t you think you’re abusing your position as employee of the department that manages public land?

LS: Tell them to put it in writing and send it to me.

Journalist: I’m the one asking you,and I don’t see why I should put it in writing when I’m speaking to you on the phone.

LS: [hangs up]