The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has said in a statement that earlier this afternoon it “started a co-ordinated direct action operation to remove a number of illegally built structures which over the past weeks continued to mushroom at the Monte Kristo Estate in Hal Farrug.”

Soon after the operation started the Authority said it was notified to stop works following a prohibitory injunction that was presented to the Courts by the contravenors’ lawyer. The courts informed the Authority that a Court hearing will take place in December 2013.

The Authority said that “upon arrival at the site, MEPA’s enforcement officers found the entrance to the Monte Kristo Estate blocked with nearly 20 heavy vehicles. Access to the site was cleared by a number of Police officers who were accompanying the operation.

“Prior to receiving the Court order, MEPA’s enforcement officers managed to demolish a large concrete store which was soon to be roofed. The store was over 12 meters in length and 4 meters in height.”

MEPA added that “following routine monitoring by the enforcement directorate, two days ago, it was noted that Polidano Brothers had continued to develop without the necessary permits despite ongoing discussions. As a consequence, it was decided to take immediate action against the recent breaches.”

During this operation, MEPA said its enforcement officers were assisted by the Works Division, the Armed Forces of Malta and the Malta Police.

Photographs of the site by MEPA

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