A number of hotels in Malta and Gozo have closed down or will soon be closing their doors. Many of these hotels were built on public land that was rented out by earlier governments. The aim behind these developments was job creation. Some such cases were The Crowne Plaza, Mistra Village, Hal Ferh and Jerma Palace.

Moviment Graffitti is mostly concerned about the public land on which these hotels were built and have now been sold for speculation purposes. This surely is not what social justice is about.

“The government’s actions has resulted in ever-soaring property prices.” The Crowne Plaza Hotel is a case in point, as it has been sold to private investors for the development of luxury apartments. Much of Tigne, a public space, was sold to private investors without any thought given to social purposes. This is a typical example that illustrates how concerns for the Maltese were thrust aside.”

Moviment Graffitti believes that public land should not be sold for speculation purposes, since land is a limited resource. MEPA still has many applications pending for the development of hotels.

“We cannot speak of sustainability until serious planning with regard to land use is implemented. We urge the government and related authorities to work on land use sustainability so that land on which hotels have been built retains its present scope.”

In conclusion, Moviment Graffitti believes that since land is a limited resource in Malta, efforts should be made for land use to be planned wisely and in a sustainable way.