Planning Authority orders immediate removal of illegal concrete pathway in Marsalforn

The Planning Authority has ordered the immediate removal of an illegally constructed concrete pathway on the rocky foreshore at Marsalforn, with enforcement officers beginning restoration works early on Wednesday morning after the authority was informed of the incident.

In a statement issued today, the authority said it "remains committed to taking immediate action against all forms of illegal development, particularly in sensitive coastal areas."

According to the Planning Authority, enforcement officers were on site by 7:30am and, within minutes, works had already commenced to remove the material that had been illegally placed on the site the previous day. The authority said the removal works were being carried out without delay to restore the area to its original state as quickly as possible, while the case continues to be handled in accordance with the applicable procedures.

The concrete pathway is understood to have been laid by workers from the Gozo Ministry. However, Gozo Ministry Permanent Secretary Mario Borg said the works had been carried out without his knowledge or authorisation.

In a Facebook post, Borg said he would ensure that any illegalities were addressed and not repeated, adding that, as the official responsible for the ministry's operational and administrative functions, he would do everything necessary to rectify the situation.

No explanation has yet been provided as to why the concrete was poured onto the rocky foreshore.

Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri also stated that he had been informed about the works and said that, if they had not been authorised, they would have to be removed.