Government to return 39,000 square metres of expropriated land

Immediate return of 150 plots of land expropriated for road construction.

Minister for Fair Competition, Small Business and Consumers Jason Azzopardi (centre) and Transport Minister Austin Gatt (right).
Minister for Fair Competition, Small Business and Consumers Jason Azzopardi (centre) and Transport Minister Austin Gatt (right).

Transport minister Austin Gatt and competition minister Jason Azzopardi have announced the immediate release of 39,000 square metres of land expropriated from private owners by the state.

The first phase includes the immediate return of 150 plots to their owners, or their heirs. Some land dates back to 1954.

Gatt explained that the land had been expropriated for the construction of roads and was under the responsibility of Transport Malta. He said that no payments had been issued for the land released.

Azzopardi said the land is being returned on Transport Malta's initiative and proves that "the government cares for families" and described the release of land as "a complex process."

He added that this exercise illustrates the importance the government gives to social justice. Azzopardi listed the 150 plots and said that 24 plots were released in Mosta, which is a frontline locality in the forthcoming local council elections in March. 20 plots were released in Mtarfa and the other plots have been released in various parts of the islands.

According to Azzopardi all plots are undeveloped and when asked whether the plots fall in Outside Development Zones he said that there is a "mixture" of ODZ and non-ODZ land.  

A second phase will involve a further review of expropriated land earmarked for roads. The Lands Department is also trying to identify the owners of some expropriated land.

Meanwhile, Azzopardi announced that last month, the lands department had issued payments for land expropriated in the early 1980's in Zurrieq, Nadur and Gudja. The payments amount to €3.3 million.  

"The government is also in the process of redeeming the rent of the apartments at City Gate, Valletta. The Housing Authority will soon launch a scheme through which resident can buy the apartments at a subsidised price," Azzopardi said.

 Locality

 Plots

 Expropriation year

 

 

 

 Attard

 2

 1973

 Dingli

 15

 1966, 1982, 1986, 1987

 Gudja, Għaxaq, St Luċija

 19

 1973

 Iklin

 1

 1980

 Kalkara

 3

 1975

 Luqa

 5

 1972, 1974, 1976

 Gudja, Luqa

 3

 1976

 Mellieħa

 1

 1967

 Mosta

 24

 1977, 1987

 Imqabba

 2

 1966

 Imtarfa

 20

 1987

 Marsaskala

 8

 1981, 1982, 1989, 1999

 Marsaxlokk

 4

 1988

 St Paul's Bay

 7

 1989

 Siġġiewi

 2

 1977

 Żabbar

 1

 1954

 Żurrieq

 4

 1981, 1983