Civil society group il-Kollettiv has called for an end to the system whereby massive plots of public land, including fortifications and historical buildings, are handed out to developers through an emphyteusis.
Posting on social media, the group said that in the wake of recent statements made by the Prime Minister and MIDI on the ongoing Manoel Island situation, Il-Kollettiv President Jeanette Borg criticised the model whereby land is "leased" to developers employed by successive administrations.
Manoel Island, just like Comino, the ITS building and Chambray, was "pawned off" for a "fraction of its actual value," Borg said.
"Through this practice, successive governments have given enormous power to developers by drastically reducing their costs and guaranteeing their profits, with absolutely no benefit to the public. These decisions are taken without respect for residents, their space, history, and sense of home," she said.
"In the case of Manoel Island, MIDI's potential breach of contract obligations may see the island returned to the public. This is a happy conclusion for the thousands who signed the parliamentary petition for its return, however, the principle behind such deals is fundamentally wrong and must be abolished. Public land should remain so, independent of whether a developer has the money to build it up or not."
Borg cited Comino and Fort Chambray as two recent contentious land concessions. "The Prime Minister moved swiftly to sort out the 'mess' created by the Fenech Adami administration, but in the meantime, he's publicly promoting equally disastrous projects and fast-tracking them through the authorities."
Il-Kollettiv also called for the government to respect the 30,000 signatories of the petition. "If the PM's dream is to return Manoel Island to the public, then its representatives should be included in the discussions on its future. The government has no obligation to bail MIDI out of a deal it couldn't honour, and the investments made by small shareholders are also MIDI's responsibility. Let us not forget that the concession includes Tigné Point, which MIDI is also contractually bound to maintain."
The group praised the people involved in the awareness campaign, and stated its wish to see Manoel Island as a safe space for the thousands who visit it. "Both political leaders have spoken about a public park. Set the space free of speculators, leave it free from commercial pressures, and let us all enjoy Manoel Island in peace."
MIDI on Tuesday had said that there is no valid legal basis for rescission of the contract, nor the imposition of penalties. "The Company contends that a correct interpretation of the deed grants the Company an extension of at least 10 years and since the full development permit for Manoel Island has not to date been issued the time period for completion of the development remains, in terms of the deed, suspended. The Company will vigorously defend its position and will be formally responding to the (government's) judicial letter taking all actions necessary to ensure its rights are fully protected." Nevertheless, the company said, it reiterates its position that it remains committed to finding a solution with Government in order to implement Government's stated objective for Manoel Island whilst at the time safeguarding the company's rights.