Government to return 39,000 square metres of expropriated land

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.