Alternattiva Demokratika has lambasted Gozitan MPs for "turning a blind eye to the illegal development of boathouses" in Mgarr ix-Xini.

AD Gozo regional committee spokesman Victor Galea claimed property belonging to the Church and passed to the government for public use is being illegally turned into private boathouses and summer residences.

"Instead of being for public use these properties are now occupied by squatters and none of the Gozitan MPs has objected to this illegal act in the past months," Mr Galea said.

AD said a year ago the Sannat and Xewkija local councils had embarked on a sustainability project to protect and enhance the eco-sensitive, geo-cultural landscape of Mgarr ix-Xini valley with the aim of developing a regional park.

Mr Galea said it was ironic that the work of local authorities was being hindered by the central government which was taking no action to curb the abuse.

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