Following its recent press release on the subject of safeguarding our beaches for individuals and families, (30.06.19 Malta Independent on Sunday), the Association for Consumer Rights, Malta, (ACR) is very concerned about the lack of information for the general public regarding an agreement that is being discussed between the government and Għadira deckchair operators to free up space across the bay.
While at face value it may seem as if the deal might address the needs of the general public, we do not know what details have been negotiated in the agreement, nor if any compensation has been promised to said operators, or how the freed-up space is going to be used.
More importantly, we are not informed if there are any other intentions of turning the Ghadira beach into a commericialised enterprise. In addition, ACR asks whether this is the start of a clamp-down on all illegitimate and abusive operators, and looks forward to all the necessary controls being put in place on beaches in Malta, Gozo and Comino.
ACR would like to draw attention to the Public Domain Act enacted in 2016 which was created with the aim of safeguarding, among others, the Maltese foreshore for the enjoyment of the Maltese public - present and future generations.
ACR reiterates that it is the government’s responsibility to use discretion when negotiating public domain sites with third parties and ensure that the interests of the public should always be a priority over and above commercial interests. ACR urgently calls for immediate publication of the agreement in process before it is finalised
Grace Attard, ACR General Secretary