Ministry denies that its position on Tal-Bebbux land has changed

Wednesday, 23 April 2025, 19:56 Last update: about 20 days ago

The Ministry for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Program said that "it is not true" that it has changed its position from what it promised the residents of Żurrieq in May of last year, regarding public land in Żurrieq known as Tal-Bebbux.

It was reacting to a statement made earlier in the day by resident groups.

"The Government had declared that the land it owns in that area will remain public land and that development would only take place on it if there is a need for a project for the Żurrieq community and that it would require an agreement with the Żurrieq Local Council," the ministry said.

In an official statement, the Ministry for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Program reminded that "there was application PC68/22 before the Planning Authority, that was submitted to establish the roads, land use, and building heights in the area after this land was included in the development zone through changes made in the Local Plan under the Rationalisation of Development Zones Act of 2006."

"However, in May of last year, the Government intervened and declared that the portion of this land which is public would remain government-owned and would not be sold for development purposes. This position was taken following the submission made by the Local Council during the application process."

"In light of this, Minister for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Program Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi had communicated the Government's direction to both the Lands Authority and the Planning Authority. Consequently, the PC application was amended last December to reflect this position," the government said.

"From the amended PC application, it is clear that, as promised last year, no development will take place on Government-owned land. The Government has an agreement with the Żurrieq Local Council that if there is the need for a project from which the Żurrieq community would benefit, it must be carried out in full consultation with the same Council. The amended PC application also provides that 750 square meters of this land must be retained as an open space for the enjoyment of the Żurrieq community."

The Government said it reiterates its commitment that where the land in the Tal-Bebbux Zone is Government-owned, it will be used in the best interest of the Żurrieq community.