'Hands off Hondoq ir-Rummien'

Nature Trust (Malta) has objected to the proposed touristic development at the as yet unspoilt beach of Hondoq ir-Rummien.

Possible development being discussed includes the construction of a hotel, a yacht marina and a tourist village.

NT also opposed the application to resume extraction of construction material from the existing quarry at Hondoq ir-Rummien.

"NT believes that the coastline of the Maltese islands is already peppered with eyesore hotels that deprive citizens of unspoilt panoramas and of unhindered access to our shores. The east and south-east coasts of Gozo are still relatively pristine despite the dust churned up by the Nadur and Qala quarries.

"In fact, the proposed development would be highly visible from Comino and from ferries crossing over to Gozo. It also goes against the tenets of the structure plan as it would encroach upon a green area. Nature Trust (Malta) fully supports the petition organised by Alternattiva Demokratika on the matter and hopes that all the speculation regarding the idyllic bay is allayed once and for all, with a more amenable site for a yacht marina being identified in Gozo, such as the natural harbour of Marsalforn.

"NT hopes that political parties declare publicly in unison their stance against such a project and against similar projects aimed at undermining our last few pristine sites," it said.