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The Marsaskala Residents’ Network (MRN) expressed strong dissatisfaction with the illegal occupation of public spaces by catering establishments, saying that the phenomenon of illegal occupation of public spaces by catering establishments has reached a disproportionate level this summer.
Radio Malta cited recent statements by the Prime Minister and various ministers on resolving the impasse, saying they had brought various abuses in various catering establishments to the attention of regulatory bodies such as the Planning Authority, the Land Administration, the Malta Tourism Authority, the Police, the Disability Rights Commission and Transport Malta.
“These shops are either illegally occupying public spaces or are not abiding by the conditions of the licences issued so far,” the residents’ group said.
“This situation has resulted in sidewalks, ramps and public spaces being blocked or unavailable for public use, affecting access and resident safety, and has resulted in children being exposed to secondhand smoke from patrons of these food and beverage establishments within the Marsaskala Bay playground.”
MRN has repeatedly requested meetings with the ministers responsible for the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Planning but has not received any response to date.
“Rather than showing interest and goodwill in curbing these abuses, the authorities are allowing owners/operators of food and beverage outlets to continue illegally occupying public space. Those abusing public land are being allowed to apply for sanctions against these illegal practices, rather than being required to remove them while awaiting a decision on whether a permit can be issued.”
MRN said the Planning Department would only take action on encroachments after making a decision on an application for approval from the owner and operator of the same food and beverage venue.”
MRN said the flagrant violations of residents’ rights were unacceptable. “Responsible ministers, relevant authorities and entities should ensure that guidelines, regulations and civic principles are upheld,” MRN said. “Instead, this dire situation has been completely ignored. For this reason, MRN insists that these violations be stopped immediately and respect for Marsaskala residents and visitors be restored.”
The residents’ group encouraged residents to put pressure on their local councillors to uphold residents’ rights and to lodge complaints with government regulators, providing full details and photographic evidence of the breaches.
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