Residents from Gzira, Ta’ Xbiex, Sliema, Valletta, and St. Julian’s on Monday, gathered at a press conference organized by Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) to voice their anger over the commencement of the Capitanerie project at Gzira Gardens.
The development, consisting of an office, a large restaurant, café, and a shop, has sparked backlash due to the government’s failure to uphold environmental commitments.
FAA Coordinator Astrid Vella criticized the lack of action following Prime Minister Robert Abela’s promise after the 2023 ‘Xebbajtuna’ environmental protest. Despite assurances that construction would be paused during permit appeals, work has commenced, ignoring FAA’s ongoing appeal.
FAA Chairman Charles Mercieca clarified that the organization is not opposing yacht marinas but denounced the appropriation of public land for private use. Mercieca explained that after successfully opposing an earlier attempt to build on a children’s playground, the Capitanerie was relocated to the public promenade, defying Malta’s environmental objectives. Activist Arnold Cassola pointed out that while the government creates authorities to promote open spaces, it simultaneously takes away green areas, questioning the need for a restaurant in an already commercialized coastal area.
FAA’s Michael Sciortino revealed that the original marina permit only allowed for a small floating office. However, in 2017, Transport Malta issued a tender for a much larger development without proper permits. He further noted that part of the new site is legally protected as Public Open Space, which prohibits construction.
The project has been condemned for violating Malta’s Coastal Objective 1, which restricts non-essential coastal development. The newly erected wall is already obstructing sea views, and FAA warns that it could set a dangerous precedent for further encroachment on public land.
Sciortino also raised concerns about UNESCO’s guidelines for World Heritage Sites, criticizing the lack of a coastal buffer zone to preserve Valletta’s vistas. He highlighted additional threats to Valletta’s status, such as the approval of an extra floor on Lazzaretto and the extension of the Excelsior Hotel.
Astrid Vella concluded by emphasizing the shrinking public spaces in Malta, with beaches increasingly privatized. She accused the government of favoring wealthy yacht owners over the public, claiming it is “stealing from the poor to give to the rich.”
The FAA continues to oppose the project, urging authorities to prioritize public land and environmental preservation.
Newsroom
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