The MIDI consortium said this evening that acts of vandalism were committed on Manoel Island after activists from the Kamp Emergenza Ambjent broke open a gate to restore access to the public on Saturday.
The activists, which were backed by Gzira Mayor Conrad Borg Manche, said MIDI had illegally blocked off access to the foreshore for 16 years. The Gzira council has also taken the consortium to court, claiming that the concession granted by the government in 2000 precluded it from blocking public access to the foreshore.
In a statement this afternoon, MIDI CEO Luke Coppini said the consortium condemns the actions that took place on Saturday “when individuals claiming to form part of a group called ‘Kamp Emergenza Ambjent,’ together with members from the Gzira Local Council resorted to unlawful actions by breaking and entering into private property at Manoel Island.”
“Such irresponsible actions have precipitated matters, with a number of individuals forcefully gaining access to a number of properties, including heritage buildings and resorting to vandalism in particular at Fort Manoel including St. Anthony’s Chapel.
The Company has proceeded to notify such events to the local police authorities for the necessary criminal proceedings to be instituted against all offenders.”
Mr Coppini said that, following years of neglect, the Government of Malta called on the private sector to undertake the development of Manoel Island and the Tigné Point sites, two brown field sites which included a number of heritage buildings in dire need of restoration. Following 7 years of negotiations, in June 2000, MIDI was granted title to the sites. This deed was unanimously approved in Parliament by both sides of the House.
“Over the last 16 years, MIDI has invested in excess of €400,000,000 on both sites and continues to meet its obligations in terms of law and in terms of the agreement with the Government of Malta. With the development of the Tigne Point project nearing completion, the Company has recently announced the engagement of Foster + Partners as master planners for the Manoel Island development.
Contrary to what has been stated and reported, the law does not seek to undermine private property rights. There is no provision or obligation on individuals to provide access over their private property to the foreshore. The Company deplores the actions of publically elected officials who instead of seeking adequate recourse at law, resort to unlawful acts by breaking into private property, and exposing same to vandalism and damages."
"The irresponsible actions of the individuals involved is further evidenced by their insistence on sensationalising the matter, by refusing access through a particular route which was offered to them on the day of activity in order to avoid damages, and instead resorting to forcefully breaking through gates, fencing, doors and similar. The Company confirms that it was not informed of the activity organised on the 10 September 2016. Whilst the Company will continue to work together with the Government of Malta with regard to its projects, the Company will be taking the necessary steps in terms of law to safeguard its interests and those of its stakeholders.”