The National Development and Social Fund (NDSF) has formally announced its intention to negotiate with private property owners in order to acquire premises that are presently occupied by band clubs.
The Government said that the aim of this intervention is to provide a “fair solution to private property owners, whilst avoiding situations that may lead to the eventual eviction of band clubs from such premises.”
Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera explained that negotiations with the owners of the band club premises will be based upon predefined negotiating parameters and in line with the NDSF’s mission to contribute towards, promote and support major projects that are of national importance. When properties are acquired, such premises will be transferred to the respective band clubs, under a new title of long lease.
He added that following a meticulous process, independent evaluators were immediately engaged to provide an independent value and opinion on the possible sites that might be in peril or already in dispute with regard to their legal occupancy in the sites in question.
The Minister thanked Ghaqda Kazini tal-Baned for their cooperation and said that such assistance helped the Government formulate a solid position to start the necessary negotiations.
Parliamentary Secretary for Citizenship and Communities Alex Muscat said that “thanks to funds that have been generated from “Malta’s initiatives that lead to residency and citizenship, we are now in a position to provide peace of mind to hundreds of people who hold band clubs close to their hearts. In so doing, we are providing an advantageous solution to the property owners, since they will be offered a competitive price according to the current market.”
Photo: DOI/Omar Camilleri