Momentum asks ombudsman to probe illegal restaurant

Momentum has formally requested the Ombudsman to investigate and enforce the law regarding illegal restaurant structures along Triq ix-Xatt in Sliema and Gżira. The political party filed the complaint on the basis of a risk report prepared by Shield Consultants, commissioned by Sliema resident Anna Maria Baldacchino. The Shield Consultants report found that canopies and outdoor extensions along Triq ix-Xatt block access for emergency vehicles, including fire engines and ambulances.

The structures also pose a direct safety risk to pedestrians, including people with disabilities and families with young children and increase fire and public health risks in what the report describes as a densely populated residential area. The report further states that the structures clearly breach planning permit conditions. Momentum committee member Matthew Agius announced the formal request and commented on the decision to approach the Ombudsman.

"The safety and accessibility of residents and the public must not be sacrificed for commercial profit," Agius said. "This lack of enforcement has left the community exposed to serious risks." Momentum is calling on the Ombudsman to investigate why authorities, including the Planning Authority, have failed to enforce the law regarding these structures.

The party is demanding urgent action to restore safety and legality along the Sliema and Gżira seafront. Neither the Ombudsman, the Planning Authority, nor the restaurant operators named in the complaint had responded publicly at the time of publication.