Ramblers Association of Malta learns with pleasure, from James Debono's interview with Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi (Malta Today, Aug 3, 2008), of government's intention to restore the land at Ghajn Tuffieha, currently occupied by the derelict and offensive Riviera Martinique structure, back to its original state, namely absolutely free of any buildings.

This is the way forward with this type of structure built on public land and now abandoned. Structure Plan policy CZM 3 supports this move: "Public access around the coastline immediately adjacent to the sea or at the top of cliffs (including in bays, harbours, and creeks) will be secured. This will include taking shorelands into public ownership, Government acquisition of illegal developments and encroachments, and suitable construction works."

RAM believes that the same thing should have been done with old structure at Golden Bay (Bajja tal-Mixquqa), instead of permitting an even-larger hotel that has completely closed off public access to the cliff-edge, in direct conflict with this policy.

RAM cannot, however share Dr Jason Azzopardi's view on the Armier squatters' case. He says that it is difficult to speak of illegality by the squatters when it was the state that provided them with services. This sounds very much like "Two wrongs do indeed make a right". Does any Government have the power to award public land to the few who have grabbed it illegally, and deny the same right to the many, by simply providing water and electricity? We ask Dr Azzopardi: is it not difficult to speak of legality in this case? Is this Constitutional?

RAM still insists that Government has only one honourable way forward: these illegal structures should all be torn down and the land restored to the public, its rightful owner.

Ramblers Association of Malta