Over the past months the Malta Environment & Planning Authority (MEPA) has been proactive in trying to find a solution for the relocation of the existing illegal scrapyard at Wied Zembaq in Birzebbuga to a managed site in Hal Far. This relocation exercise has been embarked in collaboration with the Malta Industrial Parks Ltd and the owner of the site.

Over the past years the Authority has consistently refused planning permission for the development of a scrapyard in Wied Zembaq and has even issued two enforcement notices against the illegal development at this site. The Authority would like to stress that although it is in full agreement that any illegal scrapyard is an inconvenience to neighbouring residents as well as the natural heritage, the Authority cannot take direct action since the case is sub judice. The Authority has the obligation and duty to respect the rights of all citizens to fully make use of the legal institutions that allows them to present their case.

Currently the Authority is defending its case not to allow the sanctioning of the scrapyard in Wied Zembaq infront of the Appeal Board.

Last year the Authority carried out direct action operations on illegal scrapyards in Mgarr, Burmarrad and Fontana Gozo.