Momentum requests NAO investigation into Manoel Island public land concessions

Momentum has formally requested the National Audit Office to investigate the allocation and management of the public land currently occupied by Padel courts on Manoel Island, following the Government’s €43 million buy-back of the MIDI concession.

The government justified the expenditure of €43 million by stating that Manoel Island would be returned to the public and developed into a national park. Despite these commitments, part of the island remains occupied by commercial sporting facilities, with no comprehensive public explanation of the legal basis or financial terms of this arrangement.

The party has therefore requested the National Audit Office to establish:

• the legal basis under which Gżira United occupies the land;
• whether all legal procedures required under the Lands Authority Act and other applicable legislation were followed;
• the financial terms of the agreement, including any rent or other consideration payable to the State;
• whether an independent valuation of the public land was carried out;
• whether commercial activities, including padel facilities, are authorised under the agreement;
• whether the occupation is temporary pending the Manoel Island master plan or represents a longer-term allocation of public land; and
• whether the allocation adequately safeguards the public interest and complies with the principles of good governance.

Mark Cammilleri Gambin, General Secretary of Momentum, said, “We emphasise that the request is not directed against Gżira United Football Club and does not question the club’s sporting contribution or its role within the community. The issue is one of public governance. When public land of exceptional strategic and financial value is allocated to any private organisation, whether sporting, commercial or otherwise, the public has a right to know the legal basis of that allocation, the procedures followed and the financial terms agreed.”

Momentum said it looks forward to the National Audit Office examining the matter independently and providing the public with clarity on how this valuable national asset is being administered.

Official request is available for download below:

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