‘Give Us Back Our Square’: Residents and Activists Protest ‘Illegal’ Land Grab By db Group In Mellieħa
In a powerful demonstration of defiance, activists and residents gathered to reclaim Mellieħa’s iconic square, Misraħ iż-Żjara tal-Papa, from the clutches of “illegal land grab” by the db Group’s catering establishments.
With chants of “Give us back our square,” they occupied the “unauthorised” tables and chairs, sending a clear message of opposition ahead of the Planning Authority hearing, where approval of these infringements is anticipated.
The symbolic action was a powerful reminder of the community’s right to its public spaces.
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Emphasising the square’s rightful ownership by the people, activists stated the necessity of reclaiming what rightfully belongs to the public domain.
The activists claimed the situation in Mellieħa serves as a stark illustration of authorities’ complicity in enabling and rewarding violators instead of taking action.
In response to this gross injustice, activists and residents demanded swift and decisive action:
1. Rejection of the db Group’s application for sanctioning illegal structures on public land by the Planning Authority on 12th April.
2. Removal of all unauthorised structures from the square, restitution to the public, and imposition of substantial fines for eight months of unabated abuse.
3. Immediate action by the Planning Authority, the Lands Authority and the Malta Tourism Authority to enforce, strengthen and improve the current laws which regulate outdoor catering areas in public spaces in order to reduce abuse and ensure unobstructed, safe and public access.
If these demands are not met, the activists and residents warned they will have no choice but to escalate direct actions.
The groups which participated in the action are Moviment Graffitti, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Residenti Melliħin, Għaqda Residenti Slimiżi, Residenti Beltin, Marsaskala Residents Network and Residenti San Pawl il-Baħar.
This action follows last Saturday’s demonstration in Valletta, where a crowd gathered in front of Parliament to protest the occupation of public spaces by tables, chairs, and other structures.
db Group also released a statement on the activists actions from yesterday.
“Singling out db Group’s restaurant in Mellieħa is simply an attempt to influence tomorrow’s planning decision. The restaurant that was criticised by Moviment Graffitti today is one of several restaurants serving patrons in the Mellieħa piazza,” the statement started off.
“When it opened last summer, the restaurant already had tables and chairs clearance from the Lands department. db Group’s planning application to extend the tables and chairs area is scheduled to be decided tomorrow and is recommended for approval.”
“db Group is not receiving or expecting any special treatment. It must be noted that like all the other restaurants in the area, it has an agreement to clear the tables and chairs during religious festivities,” the statement concluded.
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