Planning Authority begins removal work on illegal scrapyards

Two arrested as PA takes action in Birzebbugia site where illegal scrapyards are situated

Earlier today, the Planning Authority’s direct action team, re-enforced with a large fleet of machinery provided by the Works and Infrastructure Department and Cleansing Directorate moved in to remove tons of illegal material from two scrapyards which extended over a number of agricultural fields in an ODZ area known as Ix-Xerriek, limits of Birzebbugia.

The direct action was made possible after the Courts turned down a prohibitory injunction request made by the contravenor’s lawyer last April, that had stopped the Authority from further carrying out its direct action operation on both scrapyards.  

Throughout the day, trucks were continuously loaded.  Amongst others, scrapped cars, trucks, white goods and tyres were removed in large quantities from both sites.

During the early morning operation two family close relatives of the contravenor were arrested by the Police on site as they became aggressive and threatened the Planning Authority officials.

The Authority has persisted with its actions on these two sites after the interested parties faulted on an agreement that had been reached between the contravenors and the Authority over the past two years. The agreement had given the chance to the site occupiers to remove the illegally dumped material, in phases due to the extent of the site.

The operation which will carry on in the coming days seeks to entirely clear the illegal activity and dumped material from the sites , whilst returning them back to their original state. These two extensive sites also form part of a larger area which is scheduled for its archaeological importance.

The Planning Authority’s Enforcement Directorate is being assisted by officials from Transport Malta, members of the Administrative Law Enforcement Section and the Rapid Intervention Unit.