Private operators have reportedly taken over a public parking area near the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village and popular nightclub Numero Uno and are changing drivers €5 to enter. 

Images posted on social media showed the newly-appointed parking operators charging drivers as they enter with some claiming that receipts are not even being issued.

The operators have allegedly completely closed off the area and do not allow anyone to enter unless they provide the fee. 

The operators do not form part of the Uno complex and Economy Minister Silvio Schembri has so far refused to reply to questions sent almost a month ago. The area, which forms part of the Ta Qali crafts village area, falls under the remit of Schembri.

Schembri contests the general election in areas that surround Ta’ Qali and sources have questioned whether the deal has anything to do with his recent campaign.

Numerous reminders have been sent, while calls and messages to the Economy Ministry spokesperson have been routinely ignored.  Indis Ltd, a government-owned company which is responsible for the area, has also ignored the questions sent. 

Lovin Malta is seeking clarification as to whether the area was taken over following an agreement between the operators and the government, specifically Indis Ltd, which falls under the responsibility of the Economy Ministry. 

It is also unclear whether the agreement was reached following a public call, with sources expressing dismay as to how they were awarded the lucrative deal with some suggesting possible links between the operators and government officials. 

The newsroom also asked the Minister whether he will be taking action on the issue, particularly given the uproar from persons who visited the area, given that the national park and other activities are in close proximity. 

Meanwhile, the area is also a major nightclub destination, hosting multiple festivals for locals and tourists alike. 

However, no reply has so far been forthcoming. A freedom of information request has been filed demanding a copy of the agreement.

Have you tried parking at Ta Qali?