90 Signatures
500 for collection target
Petition addressed to: The Government of Malta & the Maltese Parliament
We are asking the Government of Malta to introduce clearer legislation that ensures privately owned land and properties located within residential areas are maintained to an acceptable standard.
The aim is to create a fair balance between private property rights and the rights of residents to live in a clean, safe and healthy environment.
We want to ensure that:
- Private land cannot be allowed to become a long-term dumping ground.
- Owners of neglected properties have a legal responsibility to maintain their land.
- Residents have a clear process to report concerns and request action.
- Authorities have the power to intervene where neglect creates a health, safety or environmental issue.
We propose that the Government introduces a clear enforcement process:
- Reporting and inspection - Residents can report neglected private land to the relevant authority.
- An official inspection can determine whether action is required.
- Formal notice to the owner - If a problem is identified, the owner receives a written notice requiring the removal of waste and improvement of the condition of the property within a reasonable timeframe.
- Enforcement measures- If the owner fails to comply, penalties or fines can be applied.
- In serious cases where there is a public health risk, authorities should have the ability to arrange remedial action and recover costs from the responsible party.
- Prevention of future issues- Owners of vacant land should be required to take reasonable steps to prevent illegal dumping and maintain their property.
Reason
Across Malta, including communities such as Marsaskala, residents are increasingly finding themselves living alongside neglected privately owned land and properties that have been allowed to deteriorate over many years.
When private land within residential areas is not properly maintained, it can become a dumping ground for rubbish, construction waste and unwanted materials. This creates concerns around hygiene, pests, unpleasant smells, safety hazards and the overall wellbeing of nearby residents.
Residents should not be left without a solution simply because the problem exists on privately owned property. While we respect the rights of property owners, those rights should come with a responsibility to ensure that their land does not negatively affect the health, safety and quality of life of the surrounding community.
Action is needed now because:
- Malta is becoming increasingly densely populated, meaning more people are living in close proximity to vacant and neglected plots.
- Once neglected areas become established dumping sites, the problem becomes harder and more expensive to resolve.
- Residents currently have limited options when private land creates ongoing problems for their homes and neighbourhood.
- Clear legislation would provide fairness for both residents and responsible property owners.
This petition is calling for a proactive approach: one that prevents neglected private land from becoming a long-term problem and ensures that all communities across Malta can enjoy clean, safe and well-maintained neighbourhoods.
Petition details
Petition started:
07/22/2026
Collection ends:
01/21/2027
Region:
Marsaskala
Topic:
Environment
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36
Signatures
128 days
remaining
Because I want Marsaskala to be a clean and tidy place to live