Momentum Condemns Coastal Works Threatening Marsaskala Bay

The Momentum party, alongside concerned local residents, has criticised the sudden commencement of extensive, unannounced works along the Marsaskala coastline, believed to be part of a larger project to develop a new ferry terminal.

Momentum Condemns Coastal Works Threatening Marsaskala Bay

Members of Momentum who visited the site described what they see as a “deeply concerning and deceptive” approach. While several permits exist for works officially classified as “road works,” the more significant works affecting the promenade, shoreline, and piers appear to have no permits attached.

Momentum Condemns Coastal Works Threatening Marsaskala Bay

Momentum alleges that the project is being divided into smaller, separate applications in a deliberate “salami-slicing” tactic, apparently intended to avoid the full public scrutiny normally required for a development of this scale.

“No comprehensive plans for the entire project have been submitted to the Planning Authority for public viewing,” the party said. “The justification that these are merely separate ‘road works’ seems to be used to conceal the full scope of the development from the public.”

Momentum Condemns Coastal Works Threatening Marsaskala Bay

Observations at the site suggest that Infrastructure Malta’s activities go far beyond routine road maintenance. Momentum warns that the works risk transforming a beloved traditional swimming and fishing area into a port for ferries and other vessels, fundamentally altering the character of the bay.

Momentum’s Mark Camilleri Gambin stressed, “Claiming these are just ‘road works’ while simultaneously excavating the coastline is a deceptive tactic. This is not maintenance; it is a stealth project to commercialise a public bay and undermine its role as a community space.”

Camilleri Gambin stressed that the issue is not about opposition to a ferry service itself, but about secrecy and lack of transparency. “Residents of Marsaskala, and indeed all Maltese citizens, have the right to know what is being planned for their coastline. Project-splitting and secrecy only fuel suspicion that this exercise is designed to favour private interests over the public good.”

Momentum said, “Photographs were taken between 18 and 22 October 2025 show the extent of the ongoing works”

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Photo Credit: Momentum