Squatters finally evicted from Fort Binġemma
Historical site most likely to become an astronomical centre run by Xjenza Malta
Fort Binġemma’s squatters have finally been evicted, and the protected site will most likely be used as an astronomical centre.
A family has lived in the fort for decades and in a statement on Friday, a Lands Ministry spokesperson said the family has now been evicted from the Grade 1 protected fort.
The squatters have all left, the ministry told Times of Malta and all that remains is for them to remove some final personal belongings on Monday “so that the Lands Authority can take possession of the keys”.
The spokesperson said the Lands Authority intends to allocate the site to Xjenza Malta – the government agency responsible for promoting and coordinating scientific research.
That will follow the standard procedures to transfer land from the authority to another government entity, the spokesperson added.
“There is agreement that this site would bring significant benefits if transferred to Xjenza Malta for purposes related to the science of astronomy.”
Fort Binġemma, located on the outskirts of Rabat, lies in one of the most remote areas of Malta, with minimal light pollution from its surroundings.
Forming part of the Victoria Lines, the fort was built in the 19th century as part of a defence complex that crosses Malta from east to west.
In 1981, the fort was handed to Gaetano Buttigieg for cow-rearing in a 16-year lease that expired in 1997. The original terms of the lease did not allow it to be used as a private residence.
Attempts to remove Gaetano’s heir, Steve Buttigieg, from the fort or reach a settlement have been ongoing since at least 2011.
A 2021 Lands Authority audit flagged inaction over Buttigieg’s occupation of the fort.
In recent years, Times of Malta visited the fort on several occasions and was always greeted by barking guard dogs.
But, returning to the Rabat fort yesterday, all was silent.