Qala Creek project developments

Qala council recently requested a meeting with officials of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) to discuss recent developments in the Qala Creek project.

During the meeting, held at MEPA's offices, the council was represented by Qala mayor Paul Buttigieg, councillor Anthony Camilleri and executive secretary Marcia Borg. Paul Buttigieg, a representative of the Moviment Harsien Hondoq, was also present.

MEPA was represented by Architect Silvio Farrugia and case officer Robert Vella.

Mayor Paul Buttigieg presented a report and explained why the council objected to the project. It particularly objected to the yacht marina and the substantial amount of building planned to be constructed in the quarry.

Mr Buttigieg said that Qala residents had been invited to vote in a referendum on the project. With a 75 per cent turnout, 86 per cent disagreed with the project.

The mayor further explained that the residents did agree with some form of development in the quarry and in Hondoq ir-Rummien beach, but that this had to be conducted according to the proposed local plan for Gozo. He said that the proposed yacht marina is neither included in the old local plan, nor in the proposed one.

On the other hand, MEPA officials replied that the authority did not issue permits - in fact, they said, there is still a long way to go before the application reaches the board and a decision is taken.

Meanwhile, the developers have been requested to present any alternative proposals for the area, including projects which exclude yacht marina structures. No proposal has yet been received by MEPA.

MEPA officials also said that once the authority has alternative proposals in hand, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process will begin, as requested by law. The process could take about six months to be finalised, after which the Qala council will be consulted by the authority.

They explained that the EIA process includes a public hearing which is normally held in the same locality of the proposed project; the public will be given the opportunity to express comments on the EIA conclusions, which will be recorded in the EIA final report.

Meanwhile, a study on the impact of traffic is currently being conducted.

Both reports will be documented as one and sent to the MEPA board, upon which the authory will take a final decision. This will also be conducted in public, who will also be given the opportunity to make representations.

Mr Buttigieg also gave MEPA a report issued by Malta University Services, commissioned by the same authority, on air standards. The report shows that Qala's air quality does not meet European Union standards due to its high rate of pollution.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, the mayor said that a letter will shortly be distributed to Qala residents to inform them of these developments. He pledged to keep residents informed of any developments on the Qala Creek project.