Civil Society Group Calls For End To Public Land Giveaways To Developers
Civil society group il-Kollettiv has renewed calls for an end to the controversial practice of granting large plots of public land to private developers through emphyteusis agreements, particularly when it comes to historically significant sites.
The call comes in the wake of public comments made by both Prime Minister Robert Abela and the MIDI Group regarding the ongoing situation at Manoel Island. Il-Kollettiv President Jeanette Borg sharply criticised the long-standing system that allows successive governments to lease valuable national assets to private developers under conditions that often favour profit over public interest.
“Manoel Island, just like Comino, the ITS site, and Fort Chambray, was pawned off to MIDI for a fraction of its real value,” Borg said.
“These deals drastically reduce developer costs and guarantee profits with no meaningful return to the public. Residents are left completely out of the conversation – ignored in matters concerning their environment, heritage, and sense of home.”
Borg noted that the current Manoel Island lease could be reversed due to an alleged breach of contract by MIDI. If so, the island may return to public ownership – a result that would vindicate the thousands who signed a parliamentary petition demanding its return. However, Borg stressed that the broader practice of such land deals is “fundamentally flawed” and should be abolished altogether.
“Public land should remain public, regardless of whether a developer has the money to build it up or not,” she added.
Il-Kollettiv also pointed to other controversial concessions, including Comino and Fort Chambray, where land and public spaces have been increasingly commercialised. While the Prime Minister has previously denounced older land deals made under past administrations, Borg accused the government of “publicly promoting equally disastrous projects” and fast-tracking them through regulatory channels.
The group is now calling on the government to respect the voices of the 30,000 people who signed the Manoel Island petition by ensuring the public is involved in deciding the site’s future.
“If the Prime Minister truly intends to return Manoel Island to the public, then its representatives must have a seat at the table,” Borg said. “The government is under no obligation to bail out MIDI if it failed to meet its commitments. The investments made by shareholders remain MIDI’s responsibility.”
Il-Kollettiv concluded by praising all those involved in raising awareness and reiterated its vision for Manoel Island as an open, inclusive space.
“Both political leaders have spoken about a public park. Let’s make that a reality. Set the space free from speculators, free from commercial pressure, and allow Manoel Island to remain a peaceful place for all who visit.”
Should public land concessions be banned?
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