An illegal canopy linked to businessman Carlo Stivala in Sliema has been removed following enforcement action by the Planning Authority (PA), with activist organisation Moviment Graffitti welcoming its dismantling while questioning why it had taken months of public pressure for action to be taken.
In a statement, the PA confirmed that the unauthorised structure, consisting of a tent, tables and chairs placed on public land in front of a food establishment, had been removed following the issuance of an enforcement notice.
However, the Authority said the enforcement notice would remain in force until the site was fully restored to its original state and all outstanding requirements had been met.
The PA said the removal followed an enforcement notice and a public statement ordering those responsible to immediately dismantle the structure.
It had previously warned that failure to comply would result in further enforcement proceedings, including direct action where necessary under the applicable legal framework.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the public interest, addressing illegal development and ensuring that enforcement action was carried out effectively.
Meanwhile, Moviment Graffitti said it was "finally" seeing the canopy being dismantled, but questioned why it had taken widespread public pressure and repeated warnings from the organisation for action to be taken.
In a statement published on Facebook, the activist organisation alleged that the structure had occupied public space and created a danger, while arguing that the issue highlighted a wider problem involving the commercial use of public areas across Malta.
"This issue goes beyond Carlo Stivala's illegal structure," the organisation said.
According to Moviment Graffitti, a number of businesses have taken over significant portions of pavements and other public spaces, allegedly with the "full complicity" of the authorities.
The organisation said such practices allow businesses to increase their commercial activity at the expense of residents' access to public areas.
It also pointed to what it described as a broader national problem, claiming that pavements, shorelines and public gardens have been taken over by commercial interests in locations including Gozo, Valletta, Gżira, Sliema, Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk and the Cottonera.
Moviment Graffitti stressed that not all such occupations are necessarily illegal, noting that some have taken place on the basis of permits issued by the authorities.
The organisation said its Il-Bankini taċ-Ċittadini campaign would continue to push for public spaces to remain accessible to the public. It has also published a series of demands calling for stronger protection of pavements and other public areas.
The group said it would continue monitoring the situation in Sliema and remain prepared to take "direct action" if necessary.
Moviment Graffitti concluded its statement with a warning that its campaign was far from over: "The fight continues."
Under the Development Planning Act, the PA may issue enforcement notices requiring the removal of illegal developments and the restoration of affected sites. Such notices may carry daily fines until compliance is achieved.
Those served with enforcement notices have the right to appeal before the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal, during which direct enforcement action cannot be taken.
Where the period specified in an enforcement notice expires without compliance, and no appeal prevents it, the Authority may intervene directly to remove the illegal development.