Momentum demands halt to coastal works in Marsaskala, condemns ‘salami-slicing’ approach

Momentum, together with concerned residents, has condemned the commencement of significant unannounced works along the Marsaskala coastline, which appear to be part of the larger project to develop the new ferry terminal.

Momentum members who visited the site observed a deeply concerning and deceptive strategy. While several different permits exist for what are officially labelled as “road works,” the more extensive and impactful works directly affecting the promenade, the underlying shore, and the piers have no permits attached to the site.

This appears to be a deliberate “salami-slicing” tactic, splitting one major project into multiple smaller applications to avoid the full public scrutiny required for a development of this magnitude.

Furthermore, no comprehensive plans for the entire project have been presented to the Planning Authority for public viewing. The excuse that these are merely separate “road works” is being used to shield the full, transformative scope of the development from the public.

The reality on the ground appears to be that Infrastructure Malta is conducting works that far exceed simple road maintenance. This project risks turning a beloved, traditional swimming and fishing area into a veritable port for sea ferries and other seacraft, irrevocably changing the nature of the bay.

“What we are seeing in Marsaskala is a complete disregard for residents and for transparency,” said Momentum’s Mark Camilleri Gambin. “Claiming these are just ‘road works’ while at the same time digging up the coastline is a deceptive tactic. This is not maintenance but rather a stealth project to commercialise a public bay and kill its function as a place of relaxation for the community.”

“The residents of Marsaskala, and indeed all Maltese citizens, have a right to know what is really being planned for their coastline,” continued Mark. “This secrecy and project-splitting only fuels the suspicion that this entire exercise is designed to favour private business interests, not the public good.

To be clear, this is not about being for or against a ferry service,” Camilleri Gambin added. “This is about opposing secrecy. No project, regardless of its supposed benefits, should be steamrolled through without full transparency and clarity. Residents deserve to know exactly what is happening to their home, and they deserve to have their voices heard before their locality is irrevocably changed.”

Momentum asks for an immediate halt to all coastal works until the full, un-redacted plans for the entire consolidated project are made public and subjected to a proper and transparent planning and consultation process.

The attached photos were taken between the 18th and 22nd of October, 2025.

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