Fort Bengħajsa is to be re-taken over by the government, ending years of illegal occupation of the fort, the Lands Ministry said in a statement on Monday.
In its statement, the Ministry said that the fort “wll be given back to the people” and that the decision was part of the government’s efforts to enforce the proper use of public land and removed irregularities that had been built in this historic place over the years.
Prime Minister Robert Abela shared the news, saying that the process for the fort to be returned into State hands is moving towards its conclusion.
The Ministry said that the government is working to ensure that it can be rehabilitated and be enjoyed by the public in a proper manner.
Lands Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that the Lands Authority and other relevant authorities had taken steps for the process to be done in accordance with the law and in an orderly manner.
The Lands Authority has issued an eviction notice to the current occupiers to leave the fort by the end of February so that it can be closed and surveilled until the numerous illegalities over the years are removed.
“The government remains committed to keep improving the use of public property while also remaining committed that Fort Bengħajsa is given back to the people with a use which respects its historical value,” the ministry concluded.
Fort Bengajsa, located in Birzebbugia, is a “magnificent reminder of Malta’s glorious past” and has the highest degree of heritage protection, according to Visit Malta.
But a Planning Authority enforcement notice that has been in effect since 2016 claims that its occupants have inside erected an unauthorised home and garages.
The tenants have been notified on February 8, 2011 that the lease will not be renewed. An eviction notice first issued dates back to November 2011.
