The environment NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar regretted today that although the Lands Department was taking legal action following alleged illegal development encroaching on the belvedere in Ghajnsielem, demolition was not being considered because of the risk of destabilising the belvedere itself.

"While FAA appreciates the Lands Department’s efforts to ascertain the facts and take legal action, it is regretted that the developer will be permitted to enjoy the encroachment subject to financial compensation. It is hoped that adequate compensation will be set at today’s market prices, together with a fine for abusive usurpation of a public space," the NGO said.

It claimed that the encroachment was made for the extension of the Grand Hotel.

The authorities had initially denied that the developers had invaded public property. However following protracted negotiations, an independent expert confirmed that there had in fact been encroachment on the part of the developer and legal action was instituted.

FAA said it was also outrageous that this abusive construction included demolition of the ramp which allowed disabled people to enjoy this public space, since a wall of the abusive building was built on the footprint of the ramp. It called on the National Commission for Persons with Disability to take action.

It also claimed that this abusive project was handled by an architect who is a member of Parliament.

"One asks where the Chamber of Architects’ Ethic Committee, the legal guarantor of architectural ethics, stands on such behaviour by one of its members," FAA said.

www.faa.org.mt