I want to congratulate Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi for succeeding in reclaiming 60,000 square metres of coast between Fomm ir-Riħ and Ġnejna after 300 years in private hands.

Now this stretch of land which comprises almost 20 per cent of the islands' territory can be enjoyed without any hassle by the general public.

Dr Azzopardi must be admired for his resilience in his endeavours to reclaim from private hands what belongs to the public. His success is no mean feat.

The Ramblers' Association, which welcomed the government's decision to reclaim this large tract of land, described it as "a historic breakthrough".

The association also merits to be commended for its enthusiasm to see that our coast is accessible for leisurely walks. In fact, in July last year, the Ramblers protested in a march from Baħrija to Fomm ir-Riħ to raise awareness of the inaccessibility of the bay and other irregularities.

Dr Azzopardi's important work should be encouraged and appreciated. I imagine that to reclaim land or any other property which has been illegally or otherwise enjoyed by private persons for many years is something that needs courage and determination.

Up to now, such radical measures were unheard of and not even dreamt about; and I doubt if such decisions would have been taken if it were not for Dr Azzopardi (naturally with the approval of the government). The government was justifiably criticised on many occasions when, through Mepa, it sided with the developers who ruined many beautiful areas especially in the countryside. Blocks of flats, hotels, factories, wedding halls, etc. were built in pristine picturesque places. Such peaceful areas were disfigured and lost forever!

Now with this move of reclaiming these 60,000 square metres of coast, the government - or rather, Dr Azzopardi - reversed the trend of continuing to lose more countryside to developers. Let's hope we'll keep it up and continue to see more land reclaimed for public enjoyment.

Meantime, I salute Dr Azzopardi for his gallantry, and may other politicians take his example.