Each of the seven operators in Ghadira that rent out deckchairs are to relinquish 344m2 of land from their concession each, Minister for Tourism Konrad Mizzi said.
In a brief press conference, Mizzi said that 2,200m2 of land will be returned to the public, leaving the beach more “accessible” and a free area in front of the sea will be available for the people to get their own deckchairs and umbrellas.
The Tourism Minister pre-announced the changes on Tuesday on Facebook and Twitter, noting that through this “positive change, the people can after many years enjoy proper access throughout the whole bay”.
The operators had been hauled into a meeting with the Malta Tourism Authority after bathers complained that the bay had been taken over by deckchairs and umbrellas. The Planning Authority and the Malta Tourism Authority are responsible for supervising the placement of the deckchairs and umbrellas, and the process is meant to be monitored on a daily basis.
Mizzi had laid the blame for the situation firmly at the feet of PN MP Jason Azzopardi, previously responsible for lands, saying that eight days before the 2013 general election Azzopardi had granted “shameful” concessions to the operators. Azzopardi said the PN had actually brought order to the beach.
