Momentum welcomes Manoel Island progress and calls for stronger protection of Ta’ Żnuber in Mellieħa

Momentum welcomes the Government’s decision to revert Manoel Island back to public ownership following sustained and justified public pressure. This outcome shows clearly that when citizens mobilise and speak with one voice, change is very possible.

Manoel Island has long symbolised the wider failure of successive administrations to prioritise the common good over intensive private development. Its return to the public domain marks an important step towards restoring trust and rebalancing national priorities.

Momentum believes this must now be followed by a clear and binding commitment: Manoel Island should be transformed into a car free national park and heritage space that is fully accessible to the Maltese people. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a truly public, green, and cultural landmark for present and future generations.

At the same time, the concerns raised regarding sites in Mellieħa remain urgent and unresolved. These cases highlight the same systemic issues that characterised the Manoel Island saga: lack of transparency, weak safeguards, and continuous pressure on environmentally sensitive land.

Momentum therefore calls for:

• A clear national plan for Manoel Island, guaranteeing its use as a public green and heritage space, protected from future overdevelopment.
• Immediate transparency on all planning processes and agreements related to the Mellieħa sites in question.
• Stronger environmental protections, particularly in ecologically and visually sensitive areas.
• Meaningful public consultation, ensuring communities are genuinely involved before decisions are taken.
• Consistent enforcement and accountability, so that planning rules are applied fairly and without exception.

Momentum member, Carrmel Asciak, stated: “while the Government’s reversal on Manoel Island is a positive and necessary step, it should not have taken such sustained public pressure to reach this point. Malta needs institutions that act proactively in the public interest and not reactively when faced with public outcry.

Momentum stands with residents, activists, and organisations who continue to advocate for responsible planning and environmental stewardship. We will remain vigilant to ensure that this momentum for change is not lost, and that the lessons from Manoel Island are applied across the country , starting with Mellieħa, in particular the Ta’ Żnuber area”.

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