Over 30 birds in private field brutalised by dogs

Oct 1 2021

Over 30 birds, consisting of ducks, chickens and geese, were mauled to death as free-roaming dogs broke into a private field. The killing spree took place on the 29th of September, with the dogs managing to enter an otherwise safe and secure field. The disturbing event was highlighted by Animal Liberation Malta on Facebook, who stated that the dogs were left to roam freely all night long, despite the owners knowing what harm the canines were capable of.

The NGO stated that this is ‘yet another example of human ignorance where the animals are the ones who pay the price’. ALM also stated that this is not the first time such a bloodbath took place, with commenters calling for a radical change in such matters. The ALM post did not specify who the birds or dogs belong to.

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Photo Source: Animal Liberation Malta

Solar Farm proposed for Siggiewi ODZ land

Oct 1 2021

The limits of Siggiewi have received another proposal for the development of a solar farm on ODZ land. A substation, photovoltaic panels and the construction of a section of boundary wall have been outlined by the plans, set to occupy approximately 10,071sqm of land. This would overlook Wied Hanzir in the proximity of Triq Bur ix-Xewk.

Bajada New Energy’s managing director Mark Bajada applied for the permit, seeking to transform the field into a solar farm. The field is not alien to such proposals as the Planning Authority allegedly received a similar application back in 2015 by Renergy Ltd.

The application was refused in 2018 as the site could not be considered a disused quarry due to vegetation taking over. The solar farm policy highlights that quarries which have been restored before the date of adoption of this policy are ineligible for solar farm development.

A rise in applications for solar farms on agricultural land has been noted, despite Malta’s solar farm policy not permitting their construction on agricultural land. This could indicate a potential loophole for both solar farm and rural policy, with farmers and residents of surround areas often opposing the various permits popping up.

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Photo Source: Lovin Malta

Ahrax quarry to transform into off-road recreational facility

Oct 1 2021

A project proposal by the All Wheel Drive Club to develop an abandoned quarry in Ahrax into a facility for off-roading events has been approved by the Planning Authority. The proposal entails re-development of the quarry to include earth-moving, backfill, boundary rubble walls, chain-link fencing, two metal gates, flood-lighting, reservoirs, a store, toilets and even a temporary office.

The enthusiasts explained that off-roading was declared illegal except for in designated areas through a 1997 subsidiary legislation. The disused quarry, which is already used for off-roading, was identified following one exercise undertaken by the Lands Authority, the All-Wheel Drive Club and the Malta Motorsport Federation.

The quarry was transferred to SportMalta in 2011 and then to the Malta Motorsport Federation, with the latter applying for necessary permits in 2016. The announcement of the approval comes as the government announces a multi-million euro investment into a racing circuit at Hal Far.

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Environment Minister joins rally to revitalise San Anton garden

Oct 1 2021

As people express their disappointment over San Anton Garden’s current state, with broken paving and collapsing walls, Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia joined in the outcry to revitalise the public area. Farrugia ordered immediate works to commence, despite pointing out that the damaged parts of the garden did not fall under his ministry’s responsibility.

The Environment Ministry, Farrugia revealed, was only responsible for soft landscaping and ponds. He said that beyond the issues of responsibility, of which his the public sees as secondary, he decided to ask authorities to find the necessary finances to carry out the work immediately.

Both President George Vella and Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef called on the Environment Minister to give the gardens the care and attention it needs. Photos uploaded by Micallef show the almost abandoned-like state the gardens currently find themselves in.

Micallef called on the Minister to ‘do his duty’, with President George Vella having contacted Minister Farrugia and asked him to intervene, as revealed by Times of Malta. However, the public gardens fall under the responsibility of Parks Malta, which in turn forms part of the Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development. The ministry is led by Miriam Dalli.

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Photo Source: Aaron Farrugia FB, Jason Micallef FB, Catholic News Agency