A month into yet another summer of discontent over the takeover of stretches of public beaches by a string of operators renting out deckchairs and umbrellas, two government authorities have finally summoned enough courage to check abuse in at least two bays, Armier and Little Armier.
But this is a far cry from what the two entities – the Malta Tourism Authority and the Land Authority – ought to have been doing as from the beginning of the season. It is only after a groundswell of complaints that action has been taken. And, yet, they have the audacity to proclaim that the joint action is part of “an ongoing drive” aimed at ensuring that regulations were respected in full.
It has been anything but an ongoing drive. This is a first-class farce. First, no one takes action for weeks on end and, then, when action is finally taken, those responsible for ensuring adherence to the rules take credit for doing something about the abuse.
Issues over beach concessions have been raised year in, year out and, still, the problem remains largely unresolved. In some places, such as Comino, for example, the problem is multiplied many times over as the space there is minimal.
Indeed, it is surprising that any space should be given out to operators there at all. But if this is (illogically) deemed so important the least that can be done is that enough space is left for others who do not want to rent any sunbeds or umbrellas.
In many places, operators are placing sunbeds and umbrellas before they are even rented. They are apparently even making it mandatory for bathers wanting to rent one sunbed to have two. These are small issues but they annoy both tourists and locals who expect that public beaches are accessible to all.
When Malta’s bays and other public bathing areas are so small and limited, is it wise to grant concessions to private beach operators? The matter ought to be taken up at the highest level and considered together with a serious plan to upgrade beach facilities.
It is also difficult to understand why so little importance has been given to the development and upkeep of beaches. A number of beaches have been given the Blue Flag, signifying that they have reached a certain standard, but the rest cry out for attention. Even Golden Bay, which has a Blue Flag, calls for greater attention. The approaches give an impression of neglect.
The new Tourism Minister has ideas about improving beach facilities and has also spoken about a touristic zones foundation that will look into work connected with cleansing, signage, general infrastructure, disturbances and pestering linked to tourism. These are all basic matters that ought to be seen to regularly as a matter of course, part of every administration’s routine work.
It is not clear either whether the minister has in mind commercialising any part of the foreshore or not but if he is thinking of entrusting, even partially, any part of the foreshore to any business concern, it is best for him to forget such plans.
Again, the island’s bays and public bathing places are so limited that it would be the height of absurdity if the government were to lease out any part for commercialisation.