Local councillors from the Nationalist Party in Marsascala are calling on government to take urgent action after it emerged that a parking area recently developed in the Fajtata area near St Thomas Bay may, in fact, be privately owned.

In a statement, the councillors said that public funds were used to carry out works on the site under the assumption that it formed part of public land.

However, subsequent developments have raised questions over ownership, with indications that the area may be subject to private rights or contractual arrangements.

The PN councillors insisted that the parking area should remain accessible to the public, free of charge throughout the week, including weekends, arguing that it serves an important function for residents and visitors to one of Marsascala's most frequented coastal zones.

They also said that, if private ownership or rights are confirmed, government has a responsibility to pursue a lawful resolution that secures public access to the site. This, they say, could include negotiating acquisition or regularisation of the land while ensuring that any entitled parties receive appropriate compensation in line with Maltese law.

At the same time, the councillors warned against what they described as a breach between pre-election commitments and current realities, arguing that residents were previously given assurances regarding the provision of free public parking in the area.

The statement was signed by Marsascala Minority Leader and councillor Errol Cutajar, along with fellow councillors Celine Camilleri and Jesmond Abela, who said they will continue pressing for the area to remain a free public amenity.

They said that coastal localities like Marsascala require protected public spaces for residents and visitors, and that any loss of such access would be detrimental to the community's needs, particularly during peak tourism periods.