Moviment Graffitti has announced the end of the first phase of its actions in Dingli, where it has successfully halted illegal works carried out by Infrastructure Malta on a "schemed" road for three weeks.

In a statement, the group thanked the residents and farmers of Dingli for their support and determination throughout the three-week standoff, which culminated in a meeting with Transport Minister Ian Borg and Infrastructure Malta head Frederick Azzopardi.

Following the meeting, Borg and Azzopardi gave in to the activists' demand for the plans to be made public, and also agreed to prevent the further uprooting of carob trees - one of which would have already been lost were it not for the peaceful protest. Moreover, the road has been narrowed by 2m, resulting in reduced uptake of ODZ areas.

However, the group will be monitoring the situation in Dingli closely. A spokesperson for Moviment Graffitti said that their our actions in Dingli are far from over and that they will watch IM's actions closely, especially because these three weeks have shown what Azzopardi and his staff are capable of. "We will remain vigilant, and IM should make no mistake: if they don't keep their promises, we will be back" - Graffiti.

Moviment Graffiti insisted that they remain completely against this road and the building of further schemed roads for no reason. They, like Dingli residents, believe this is a pretext for the gradual development of ODZ areas.

Infrastructure Malta has changed tone on the expropriations issue. "Two weeks ago, they said they had all permits in hand. Now, they promised farmers and residents that works would only start once all expropriations are finalised. By finalised, we understand that all those who will suffer these expropriations will be duly compensated. Before then, any works carried out by IM on their property will amount to trespassing," the group said.

The first action in Dingli, back in October 2020, had also resulted in the scheduling of a medieval chapel in the area, which had received Grade 1 protection. This action avoided the chapel's complete destruction at the hands of IM's select contractors.