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James Debono
A spokesperson for the Lands Department has confirmed that a set of rules to regulate beach concessions in Ghadira will be enforced by the beginning of summer.
These rules have been the subject of various meetings involving the Malta Tourism Authority, the Lands Department, the Police and the Mellieha Local Council.
Mellieha Mayor John Buttigieg, who participated in these discussions, informed MaltaToday that beach concessions will be restricted to defined parts of the beach leaving a substantial part of the popular beach accessible to the general public.
For the past years practically all of Ghadira beach was packed with sun beds and umbrellas, laid down since early morning, leaving practically no space for those who either cannot afford or are unwilling to pay for the hire of a sun beds and umbrella.
This resulted in a wave of letters in the local press denouncing this situation. Alternattiva Demokratika had also denounced the situation.
Back in August 2004 the government announced that the Lands Department, the Malta Tourism Authority, and the Mellieha local council were meeting to address this problem.
On that occasion the Director of Lands within the Justice Ministry confirmed that kiosk operators could only place beach gear on the sand when a client requests it. But the same director confirmed that “instead of laying down the furniture on request, kiosk operators were placing a considerable number of beach furniture down early in the morning ready for hiring, taking up most of the front part of the sandy beach.”
Contacted by MaltaToday Mellieha Mayor John Buttigieg said that all parties “have agreed on the principle that beach concessions should have a defined area over which they are allowed to put up beach furniture. Up till last year kiosk owners were able to occupy the whole beach with sun beds. This will change.”
A representative from the Lands Department also announced that a set of rules will be published by next summer. These rules will be issued after a forthcoming meeting with all those who have beach concessions and kiosk owners.
The official also said that the enforcement situation would improve as there will be a co-ordinated action between the police, the local council and the Lands Department. “Last year we were inundated by complaints by ordinary citizens who did not even know who to refer to. Now everyone will know who to complain to in case the rules are not enforced.”
jdebono@newsworksltd.com
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