The Opposition has filed a Parliamentary motion calling on the government to expropriate a plot of land adjacent to the Ta’ Hagrat temples in Mgarr after MEPA issued a development permit for the site. In its motion, the PN is also calling for fair compensation to the owners.

The applicants had applied for a permit in 2009 but it was refused. MEPA, however, issued a development permit last September and rejected an appeal a few months later.

Speaking at a press conference at the site, PN Deputy Leader Mario de Marco and MP Ryan Callus, who signed the motion, explained that the site earmarked for the development falls inside a ‘buffer zone’ that was established in the past to protect the temples – a UNESCO world heritage site.

The PN is not calling on MEPA to withdraw the permit but rather for the land to be expropriated in the public interest. Since the government has no intention to develop the site, the issue would be settled, and the Maltese heritage protected.

Dr de Marco noted that, a few weeks ago, PL Deputy Leader Toni Abela had also called on the government to expropriate the land, but the government per se has not spoken on the subject, despite a 1,500 signature petition collected by FAA.  “That is why we felt the need to present this motion, we are being proactive,” Mr Callus explained.

The party officials insisted that this is not a partisan issue and the PN looks forward to a unanimous vote. Dr de Marco also noted that another plot of land on the other side of the road was expropriated and the owners compensated by some €140,000, so the same process could be followed to protect the temples.