Transport Malta contractors have laid asphalt over a massive illegality in Wied Qirda, which lies between Zebbug and Siggiewi.
The illegality in question is a concrete dam, constructed in the middle of the water course, to link two residences with the only road running through the valley.
The road and the residences are separated by the natural valley, and concrete was dumped into the water course several years ago to 'bridge' the two sides. Rainwater has to build up to a significant height in order to overflow over the dam and continue down the valley.
In 2007 the Planning Authority (then MEPA) had issued an enforcement order against the occupier, the Lands Department and the Commissioner of Lands as contravenors.
This newspaper is informed that at least one of the two properties accessed by the illegal dam has since changed ownership.
The enforcement order, EC212/07, refers to a deposit and leveling of concrete in valley without permit. It says the development consists of the depositing of concrete to form a dam inside a valley, obstructing the water course, and this in an area of special conservation and national importance.
The case status is listed as 'pending direct action.'
Over the past few weeks, Triq ta' Ghaqba, which leads from Triq Mons Mikiel Azzopardi deep into the valley, was resurfaced after new water pipes were laid by the Water Services Corporation.
The project was handled by Transport Malta, according to a sign that has been affixed in the area.
When laying the asphalt over the newly done up road, the workers also laid asphalt on the concrete dam, despite its illegal status, and despite the fact that it could be removed in future by the PA in a direct action operation.
The new level of tarmac, which is several inches thick, has increased the overall height of the illegal concrete dam, meaning that the obstruction to rainwater has been made even worse.
This newspaper has asked the Planning Authority whether anyone can lay asphalt over an illegally built structure, especially one that is the subject of an enforcement order, and whether any permission for the works was sought. We also asked whether the asphalt will now be added to the existing enforcement order, and what the next step would be.
The questions were sent on 20 July but no answers have been received.
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