The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has sealed off an area at Tal-Wej, near Mosta, which was being used illegally as a dumping site for construction waste. The debris has also started to be removed.

The police have instituted court action against the person allegedly responsible.

In a statement, Mepa said it had also stopped the activities of an operator who was illegally carrying out water-sport activities for commercial purposes at Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo.

Mepa officers and the police confiscated a number of jet skies, a tented bay-watch structure and other water-sport equipment.

Last week the Authority also removed an illegal wooden structure that was serving as a pigeon loft on the rooftop of a dwelling in Birkirkara. This pigeon loft was creating a health hazard and nuisance to the surrounding neighbours, the authority said.

KALKARA VALLEY PROTECTED

In a separate statement, Mepa referred to media reports and concerns voiced by residents and NGOs on speculative development in Kalkara valley.

It said the valley was protected and scheduled as a Level 2 Site of Scientific Importance.

"This clearly means that no development will be permitted within the boundaries of this area except for the maintenance of existing structures, such as the existing rubble walls and protected water mill.

"MEPA confirms that there is no intention to remove ant part of the area from the scheduling boundary or to downgrade the current levels of protection," the authority said.