Residents of Mellieħa, supported by local councillors and NGO Il-Kollettiv, have formally called on the Auditor General to investigate the transfer of a public open space to a private developer.
The site in question, located between Triq is-Salib and Triq Salvu Camilleri, was granted on perpetual emphyteusis to developer Roderick Conti of 121 Property Services in August 2022. The deal had a yearly value of €151,212, subject to revision within the first 15 years.
The land is reserved for the building of a 26-room guesthouse, 28 apartments, 12 underground garages and 28 overground car spaces. Local residents are contesting that this will wipe out an important open space presently serving the community, including residents of Triq is-Salib, Triq Salvu Camilleri and Triq Żnuber.
Citing similarities between the agreement and that of Mellieħa Heights development, residents explained why they asked for a second inquiry. “Residents have a right to know what’s happening on their doorstep, especially if public land is being handed over for development at questionable valuations,” Il-Kollettiv said in a statement.
The group also raised concerns about the speed at which the Planning Authority issued a permit for the Mellieħa Heights development after their first request for an investigation. “This efficiency in a flash is tacit confirmation that these agreements deserve further scrutiny,” the NGO said.
The call for an investigation has been signed by many, including Mellieħa residents, the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, three local councillors, Il-Kollettiv and politician Arnold Cassola.
This is not the only recent challenge to developments in Mellieħa. The Local Council, supported by residents, has also appealed a permit given to T&S Developments for 109 apartments on the Mellieħa Heights green area. Ironically, the permit was issued after only six weeks, although the transfer of the land itself is still under investigation by the National Audit Office.
The controversy highlights the growing concern of Mellieħa residents over the possible loss of green and open spaces to private development, as well as the transparency of land transfer deals involving public property.
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