PN urges government to expropriate Marsaxlokk foreshore and saltpans

The Nationalist Party has urged the government to expropriate some six tumoli of land including foreshore and salt pans in Marsaxlokk.

The land, placed on a listing on real estate agency Frank Salt’s website, was pulled earlier this afternoon. When it was listed on sale at €422,000 earlier today, it was described as “ideal for a fish farming venture,” according to media reports.

In its statement, the PN pointed out that the government should expropriate the land to ensure that it is used exclusively for public projects and enjoyable in its natural beauty.

“Contrary to the Gaffarena scandal, this is a clear example of how the government should intervene to expropriate land for public use,” the statement reads, further urging the government to be consistent with the PN’s Public Domain Bill.

“This expropriation deal would prove beneficial to everyone,” it added.

In a statement issued by Front Harsien ODZ, later on, the group said that "this is a prime example of land which should form part of the public domain," and that as such, the state should expropriate it accordingly, "thus ensuring that it has such a status, in the interest of the common good."

The PN further urged the government to accept the Public Domain Bill without further delay, to “ensure that the land in question is ensured for public use.” Parliament unanimously approved the second reading of the bill earlier this month.

“The aim of this bill is to safeguard our national, cultural and historic heritage, for current and future generations,” the statement reads, stressing that the case in question was a clear event where this protection of heritage was essential.

The Bill also empowers citizens and NGOs to recommend land and property to be listed as public domain, effectively preventing the use of the land for commercial reasons.