Momentum calls for parliamentary action over Mellieħa land transfer

Momentum is calling for urgent parliamentary intervention over a development application that seeks to build a 26-room guesthouse and 28 apartments.

The party said it fully supports a parliamentary petition filed by the Mellieħa mayor and counsillors to expropriate the site and convert it into a public garden.

This idea was first proposed by the local council more than two decades ago.

The land itself was previously government-owned but was transferred to 121 Properties by the Lands Authority. According to the mayor, the developer acquired the site for €151,000 and can redeem the emphyteusis within the first 15 years.

Momentum candidate and Mellieħa resident Carmel Asciak criticised the financial structure of the deal. He argued that the €151,000 annual emphyteusis paid by the developer effectively functions as a temporary arrangement.

“The developer will not be paying this in the long term. This emphyteusis will eventually be carved up and passed on to the individual purchasers of the units built. The developer gets to exploit public land to build a high-density, high-profit complex, while the permanent financial obligation is offloaded onto the final purchasers. It is a win-win for the private entity and a lose-lose for the people of Mellieħa.”

Momentum also warned that the project would significantly alter the character of the area. It said the proposal appears to breach planning policy NWTO 1 and exceeds established height limits while placing additional strain on already stretched infrastructure.

It also described the site as an important green space that acts as a “lung” for the surrounding neighbourhood.

“Public land should serve the public good, not act as discounted raw material for private speculators,” Asciak said. “By selling this land for residential and commercial exploitation, the government has ignored the council’s 2003 plea for a public park.”

Momentum said the issue now rests with parliament. It urged MPs across party lines to support the petition.

“This is an opportunity to do what is right, to protect community wellbeing, and to ensure that public land is used for the public good.”