Rising phenomena : ODZ parties

Abstract

There is obviously nothing amiss with holding in what in Maltese in known as a ħanżirata, or a party with friends in a rural setting in which the meal is roasted pig. Eyebrows do rise, however, when the organisation of such parties becomes semi-commercial and fuels the development of ancillary facilities in largely outside development zone (ODZ) areas. For example, take the area of Mtarfa – the construction of a balustrade wall and a concrete platform, and the development of a wooden structure, stone pilasters, iron fence and the laying of concrete in at least two fields have been earmarked for Mepa enforcement action (ECF 994/01 and ECF 520/10).