Marsaxlokk beach reclamation carried out without PA permit

On 2 July, Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi announced that Marsaxlokk’s Għar l-Aħmar bay had been extended by 15 metres and that a number of works had been carried out to upgrade facilities. He failed to mention, however, that this was all done without a permit.

An application for “proposed beach reclamation and construction of beach protection berm” at Għar l-Aħmar, filed in January 2019, had not been approved by the Planning Authority at the time of the minister’s announcement. The application is still ‘awaiting recommendation’ and the representation process, whereby members of the public may submit an objection to the project, is not due to close until 16 September.

Superintendence concerned about works

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage noted on 11 July that the works – which were by then complete – could disturb deposits or features of cultural value, and would therefore require archaeological monitoring. It noted that it was “now informed that the project has been completed, despite a permit not having been issued, and in the absence of monitoring that would have been necessary in the light of new information submitted in the screening application.” The cultural heritage watchdog had originally signalled its approval of the project based on the information available at the time. The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) subsequently requested additional documentation, which the superintendence says it was not made aware of, much less consulted on.

A number of representations expressed concern that the beach reclamation project was carried out without a permit, with some calling for the planning application to be rejected and for fines to be considered. Making its representation, Friends of the Earth Malta said: “Work had already started way back in May. This is in blatant violation of planning regulations and the Aarhus Convention. It is even more shocking that the applicant is Projects Malta, which is fully owned by the Government of Malta.” The planning application was filed by Emren John Vella, director of projects management and operations at Projects Malta Ltd.

Tender for berm issued noting that permit is still pending

A tender for the construction of a berm at Għar l-Aħmar was issued on 2 August, although a clause in the tender document states that “the award of this tender is subject to the granting of the pending PA Permit Ref: PA/01921/19, for which an application has already been submitted by Foundation for Tourism Zone Development” – the same permit which includes the beach reclamation already carried out.

During a press conference to announce the completed works, Mizzi said that the beach had been extended using the sand already there, and that the ERA had agreed to this method being used.

He also said that the project was different as the extension was permanent. The minister stated that a berm would be built following summer.

Għar l-Aħmar is just one of several beaches to undergo beach replenishment, with similar projects carried out at St George’s Bay in Birżebbuġa, Balluta Bay in St Julian’s, and tal-Fajtata Bay in Marsascala. Valid permits were issued in the case of these three bays.