Mosta Square Ficus Trees ‘Vandalised’ – Authorities Pledge To Catch Perpetrator
Numerous ficus trees in Mosta square have developed sizeable cavities in their trunks, with an unidentified liquid being poured into the holes.
NGO Moviment Graffitti took to social media earlier today to share concerning photos of the trees, writing: “We don’t know who or what caused these holes, but it also seems that these are being used to regularly introduce liquid into the trees.”
These happen to be the very same ficus trees that were nearly removed in November, prior to the local council’s U-turn.
“Many experts have also informed us that the trees are not growing the expected amount of branches at this time of year,” the NGO wrote.
The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) issued a statement confirming that the current state of the Mosta ficus trees is due to an act of vandalism.
It went on to say that the authority is investigating this “unauthorised intervention”, which included the “drilling of holes into the main trunk and roots, and the pouring of an unknown liquid into these holes.”
“The Authority condemns this act of vandalism, which it has been monitoring for a few days now together with the Police in an attempt to apprehend the perpetrator,” ERA stated.
Earlier this morning, Moviment Graffitti addressed the Environment Ministry, the ERA, and Mosta Local Council in a social media post, asking them to issue a formal response on the matter, reminding them that “caring for these trees, after the damage they endured when attempts were made to remove them, is their full responsibility.”
The Mosta Local Council issued an official statement a few hours after the eNGO shed light on the issue.
It revealed that Mosta mayor Chris Grech has contacted the ERA to establish whether the current state of the ficus trees was natural or otherwise.
After the governmental agency confirmed that this was an act of vandalism,“the Council immediately reported this to the relevant authorities,” the statement read.
In response to Moviment Graffitti’s statement, the Mosta Council pledged its efforts to “continue to safeguard the environment and preserve green spaces to enhance the quality of life for all residents”.
“The incessant attack on these trees is an assault on the fabric of our community, and we refuse to tolerate such actions”.
The statement went on to say that a report was filed with the Police, who were asked to investigate this act of vandalism and identify and hold accountable those responsible.
“We understand the scepticism expressed by Moviment Graffitti and other members of our community regarding the protection of these trees,” the Council said.
“Although we may have made mistakes in the past, we are striving to rectify these and learn from them,” it continued.
Later, the ERA revealed via an official statement that it was investigating the act of vandalism, which could potentially “endanger the health and integrity of these trees.”
“Upon receiving these reports, the ERA immediately commenced investigations with assistance from the Plant Health Directorate and requested Police intervention,” the authority revealed.
“It is currently conducting sampling and laboratory analysis of the substance poured into the trees, a crucial step in attempting to determine the substance inflicted and any remedial intervention that may be required.”
“Every possible effort is underway to identify the perpetrators responsible for these actions,” the ERA added, urging anyone with information that could aid in the investigation to come forward.
Individuals can report any relevant information anonymously to the ERA on 2292 3500 or via the online portal at https://cc-eris.eraportal.org.mt/submit-case.
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