Over the past weeks the Malta Environment and Planning Authority has stepped up it efforts and carried out a series of direct actions in the localities of Mtarfa, Mellieha, Swieqi, Rabat, Hamrun, St Paul’s Bay and Gozo.

The Authority removed 13 illegal billboards in Gozo and dismantled a 13ft concrete wall of bricks in Mtarfa that had illegally been constructed and was obscuring views and disrupting the skyline.

A number of illegal pigeon lofts were removed by MEPA officials from the rooftop of a dwelling in Hamrun. These pigeon lofts were creating a health hazard and nuisance to the surrounding neighbours. Thses were removed following a decision by the Development Control Commission to turn down the sanctioning for a development permit.

The Authority also carried out direct action on two basements in Swieqi and Rabat that were illegally being used as residential units. The basement in Rabat was converted into 6 residential units and had been refused permission on two consecutively occasions. Both properties had their main door and apertures sealed with bricks. In St.Paul’s Bay, the Authority removed an extended roofed aluminium structure in a terrace.

MEPA officials also demolished illegal works that were carried out around a scheduled gun post structure in Mellieha. The illegal works included the construction of boundary rubble walls, a terrace of concrete and paving works around the same structure. The area was being used as a picnic area for private use.

More direct actions are envisaged in the coming days.