Public works close off Kalanka site after large fissure sparks collapse fears
Ongoing court case about ownership of the area
The public works department on Thursday installed temporary hoarding around a cliff face at Kalanka Bay near St Peter’s Pool, following widesprad alarm over a large fissure in the rock structure.
The Police had already closed off access on Wednesday.
The emergency intervention on Wednesday came after photos circulated on social media showing beachgoers and tourists sunbathing and standing directly beneath the fractured cliff face, unaware of the potential danger.
Marsaxlokk Mayor Steven Grech told Times of Malta that he had filed an official report with the police after receiving multiple calls from concerned citizens.
On Thursday, public works said it had already taken safety measures itself, installing warning signs and fencing around the coastline.
It said access to the area had been closed after part of the cliff collapsed, as the cliff face in this part of Delimara is unstable and poses a risk to public safety.
"Shortly after access to the area was restricted, an individual claimed ownership of the land below the cliff and subsequently initiated legal proceedings against the department regarding the fence and gate that had been installed. These legal proceedings are still ongoing.
"Despite the ongoing court case, the department once again closed access to the area on Thursday morning by installing temporary hoarding, as the fractured section of the cliff continues to present a danger to the public."
The department said it will continue to take all necessary steps to safeguard public safety in this area.