‘Are they just going to demolish our homes?’

Eleven families from Attard are likely to spend Christmas trying to save their homes after a court decided they must be demolished within six months. “I don’t know what to do... I’m half expecting a bunch of trucks to show up and start demolishing everything,” says Jimmy (James) Fsadni, a 63-year-old resident of Triq Dun Mikiel Xerri. The Civil Court on Wednesday ruled on a case dating back to 1985 against Lay Lay Company Limited, finding that the company had usurped 446 square metres of land belonging to the late Francis Manduca, in the area known as Ta’ Rmiedi, and erected buildings on it. Following the advice of the court-appointed architect, Judge Silvio Meli ruled that Mr Manduca’s property, now belonging to heirs Joseph and Alfred Manduca, had been invaded by the company, which should therefore pay for the demolition. The court also found that three of the 11 owners, including Mr Fsadni, were responsible for usurping the land. Mr Fsadni insists he bought the property in good faith and if there was something illegal in the deal, it should have been flagged up by the notary. But his lawyer has told him action can only be taken against the company that sold him the property. “I...