The Malta Developers Association today appealed to the Government to conduct a thorough reform of the Lands Department so that it will be in a position to carry out its obligations and give a good service to all citizens.

Referring to the controversy that has arisen due to the way the Government acquired part owership of a property in Old Mint Street, Valletta, the MDA said that it waits for the Government’s internal inquiry and the Auditor General’s investigation to throw light on the circumstances of the case.

It welcomed with satisfaction the Prime Minister’s declaration that, if something wrong emerges from the investigations, what has occurred will be taken back and all the necessary decisions will be taken to remedy the situation.

Despite all this, the MDA said it cannot but note the discriminatory way in which the Lands Department has treated this case to the detriment of numerous citizens whose land has been expropriated by Government or requested to redeem their ground rent. These have been waiting for long years under numerous administrations to be granted their rights. This must be considered also in the light of the huge difficulties the ordinary citizen faces when he tries to find Government land to exchange with his property, which has been expropriated.