AGAINST THE ABUSE OF PUBLIC/GOVERNMENT LAND

Welcome to the official webpage of the Freephone 1577 Campaign against the abuse of public/Government land.

Ikklikkja hawn għall-verżjoni bil-Malti

What is the Freephone 1577?

The Freephone 1577 is part of the campaign by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Revenues and Land, together with the Government Property Department, to control the blatant abuse of public/Government property.

The Freephone 1577 is a service that gives you the right and the opportunity as a citizen to phone and report cases of abuse of public/Government property, without any cost to you and, should you wish, on an anonymous basis.  

This service is available daily on a 24 hours basis, Saturdays and Sundays included, and is free of charge.

Using the Freephone 1577, you can give a valid contribution towards the control of abuse of public/Government property and this with a direct benefit to the Maltese people.

Thus for instance, through your report, the Government Property Department will be able to take the necessary action so that land intentioned for use by the public remains free to be used by and for the benefit of the public.  In the case of abuse of other Government property (as for example where a person sublets to a third party property that he/she leases from the Government), the Department, after carrying out the necessary research and verification, will be able to enforce the law so that nobody makes illegal use or profit from Government property.

Go to the top

How do I report an abuse?

It is very simple to report an abuse.  All you have to do is to phone free of charge on number 1577 and then provide the relevant details to our operators.

Should you wish you may also send us an email on customercare.gpd@gov.mt.

It is pertinent to point out that, the more details you provide on the property being reported upon, the easier it will be for us to locate the abuse and this will help us to speed up the required enforcement process.  For this, we thank you.

Go to the top

What type of abuse can I report?

There are several types of abuses you can report, including:

·          Use of pavements for the placement of objects, such as tables and chairs, in such a manner as to leave an inadequate space for public passage.  This should normally be not be less than one and a half metre;

·          The erection of permanent structures on pavments, such as a canopy or other cover;

·          The use of sandy beaches for the placement of umbrellas or deckchairs that reach down to the sea;

·          The fact that someone who leases a Government shop sublets it to third parties at a higher rent, with direct detriment to the Government;

·          The occupation, in whatever way, of Government land without the permission of the Government Property Department, such as when a person forces open and occupies a Government structure;

·          When a person continues to occupy Government land beyond the period granted by Government;

·         The use of property for a different purpose than that for which it was leased by Government – for example a car garage being used as a mechanic’s garage;

·          The blockage of a public street in such a manner as not to allow free access to the public in general.

Go to the top

Exercise your right as a citizen – Phone us on Freephone 1577

If you know of an abuse of Government property phone us and we will take action.  The proper and timely use of the Freephone 1577 can truly help us control abuse.  On the other hand an improper use can seriously disrupt our work.

We are confident that you, as a citizen, are ready to help us in our campaign to give back to the people what belongs to the people.  THANKS.

Click here for more Questions and Answers (FAQs)

Go to the top