Roads Minister denies giving permit assurances

The Ministry of Urban Development and Roads has denied that Minister Jesmond Mugliett gave any Mepa permit assurances to Carmel Dimech, the owner of a vulcaniser and battery service outlet in Zebbug, whose property was partly demolished on Wednesday because it was not covered by a permit.

Neither was assurance given that an application will be filed at Mepa on his behalf by the Malta Transport Authority or the government, the ministry said.

Mr Dimech and his sons clashed with the police on Wednesday when an attempt was made, on behalf of Mepa, to demolish the upper floor of the building in line with an enforcement order.

Mr Dimech and two of his sons were later charged with threatening and assaulting the police.

The ministry was replying to claims made by Mr Dimech's lawyer in a affidavit, namely that Mr Mugliett gave instructions to Mepa officials (at a meeting in May 2005) to regularise Mr Dimech's situation and, in compensation for the expropriation of his property, to ensure that a permit is issued for the upper floor of the outlet in question.

It was untrue that Minister Mugliett had given any instructions to Mepa officials, the ministry insisted.

During that meeting, it added, Mr Dimech was advised about what steps should be taken to file an application so that the structure would be regularised and sanctioned by Mepa.

The family is insisting that its new outlet had been built by the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) as compensation after the property was expropriated to make way for a new road.

The ministry said the aim of the May meeting was to find a solution so that works on the new Mdina Road could continue because Mr Dimech was strongly objecting to the expropriation of his property, which expropriation was indispensable for the continuation of the project.

In reply, family lawyer George Cutajar asked the ministry a number of questions, among them:

Did it deny the fact that the previous building housing the Dimechs' business was covered by a valid PAPB permit issued many years ago and that the operation being carried out inside was covered by a police trading licence since 1972?

Did it deny that the previous building housing the Dimechs' business was demolished by the ADT contractor and that the new one was constructed by the ADT contractor at no expense to the Dimechs?

Dr Cutajar also referred to obligations he said were entered into on behalf of the ADT and guarantees that the works would be carried out.

He also asked the ministry whether the ADT held valid building permits from Mepa to reconstruct Mdina Road and whether it expected Mr Dimech to consent to the demolition without first obtaining guarantees for adequate compensation.

Did it expect an ordinary citizen to apply for a permit to demolish and re-erect a property when the works were going to be carried out by the ADT?

Mepa said the demolition continued yesterday, and it is estimated that the work will be completed by the end of this week.

Mepa chairman Andrew Calleja said the authority will always do its best not only to ensure the safety of the workers but also to guarantee that the law is respected so that the people get the environment they deserve.

He commended the Mepa officials for carrying out their duties in an exemplary manner in spite of the harassment and intimidation they were subjected to. He also thanked the police and the army for the support they gave during the operation.