Work started on Friday to remove tons of illegally dumped construction material and abandoned structures from a large site in Ta’ Qali.
The direct action is being taken by the Planning Authority’s Compliance & Enforcement Directorate.
The site, which measures over 48,000m2, is adjacent to the Ta’ Qali National Park and within a recreational area frequented by many locals during the weekend.
"The area has not only been turned into an eyesore but has become dangerous and unsafe for the public," the PA said.
Due to the large quantity of illegal material, the enforcement operation will be carried out over a number of days. Truck loads of this dumped material will be removed and transported to a licensed landfill. Machinery used in the concrete industry and other scrap material is also being removed.
The PA will then rehabilitate the site, and has already placed concrete barriers to seal off the site and make it inaccessible for trucks to enter and dump waste. The area is also being monitored by surveillance cameras.