Last December 11, I made an inquiry with the Planning Authority about a suspicious change to the natural state of a sizeable part of the side of a valley at Għargħur (the part usually known as ‘Top of the World’). This has been filled in with rubble and soil to create a considerable flat area at road level. Photos of the site were attached. Three days later, I sent in the coordinates of the site as requested and more photos.

Receipt of my letter was acknowledged a few days later and my inquiry given a reference number. On January 15, I wrote to see if any progress had been made and was told, among other things that I would be informed about the outcome once investigations were concluded.

I wrote again on March 1 and asked the same question. I was told, among other things, that the complaint was with their enforcement officer and investigations are still ongoing.

All I asked was whether the site had the necessary permits. I am aware the PA has a considerable workload but all it took to answer was a look at the relative records and, if at all needed, a quick visit to the site.

The PA has set strict time limits within which practically all applications are processed. It is high time it sets one for enquiries; at times these might need much more urgent attention than most development applications.

To date, March 16, I am still without an answer to my question. One would be forgiven for suspecting that in the meantime somebody might be attempting to obtain said permits. Perhaps it would not be a waste of time if some environmental NGO were to take an interest in this matter.