The Church’s Environment Commission is concerned that smart meters are to be installed at illegal boathouses in Armier.

In a statement, it said it was disappointed that those who had the duty to ensure that public land remained public, were failing to do so.

It said the State should ensure that land being occupied abusively was returned to the public and encouraged the Land Department not to allow the installation of smart meters.

Political parties, it said, should not remain hostage to the issue.

It noted that, since 1991, several governments tried to reach agreements with the occupants to regularise their illegal situation.

The most recent compromise was made in 2003 when the government decided that rooms built before 1992 would not be demolished but others would be removed. Not only were they not removed, they had increased, the commission said.

It said it was an insult to all Maltese who did their utmost to act in line with the law, for the authorities to allow individuals to occupy public land and condone such behaviour.

Pointing out that the basis of one of the fundamental principles of the Church’s social teaching was the common good, the Commission said it seemed that, in this case, the common good was not being given priority.