At the fifth dialogue meeting held recently on the use of European Union funds for the period 2007-2013, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi stressed the need for the development of our beaches and singled out St George's Bay in St Julians which, at great expense, has been embellished with imported sand. He also hinted at further developments; in fact on the following day the Malta Environment and Planning Authority gave a massive "go-ahead" for a full development permit for the construction of a sandy beach at Dawret il-Gzejjer at Qawra.
By all means let us develop our popular beaches; they are a great asset for the locals and tourists alike. But why is the government ignoring our repeated pleas to give back to the people secluded beaches which by birthright belong to the nation? The government has all the means at its disposal to reclaim the panoramic bay of Fomm ir-Rih (limits of Mgarr) characterised by the rugged and scenic beauty of the idyllic surroundings, and yet it has dragged its feet impotently for years and years.
Two years ago a correspondent in The Times (May 30, 2004) queried if Fomm ir-Rih was private property as the only manageable path to the bay was "incorporated within a development that has gradually sprawled across most of the headland overlooking the beach... If it is still a public beach is it legal to block access to it, as it is clearly the case at present?". There has been complete silence from the ministries concerned.
The most recent case was the closure of the pathway leading to small picturesque coves at il-Munxar, a headland between St Thomas Bay in Marsascala and Xrobb l-Ghagin, an area of outstanding scenic beauty with its characteristic white cliffs. According to the Structure Plan the promontory is of "scientific importance" and "Outside Development Zone". The blocked access has deprived the present generation of ramblers of the unique pleasure of walking in this zone, an experience which I have enjoyed for the last 55 years.
In view of possible development in the area it should also be made clear to Mepa or/and the government Estate Management Division that public pathways are not negotiable; and environmentalists will strongly resist any attempt at this. The mind boggles how a Mepa spokesman put the onus of responsibility on the Lands Department to state whether the public should retain free access to the Munxar foreshore (March 13) while in the case of the approved development at Dawret il-Gzejjer at Qawra, Mepa granted the permit on condition that public access to the foreshore is maintained. In this case Mepa felt that access to the foreshore was in its remit.
I honestly entreat all those in the corridors of power to help us in our campaign to give back to the people what by right belongs to us all. I appeal to their patriotic zeal with the moving words of Sir Walter Scott, "Breathes there the man with soul so dead/ who never to himself hath said/ This is my own, my native land".