Ramla l-Hamra development 'abandoned'

Alternattiva Demokratika has welcomed a declaration by the Maltese government that the development project at Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo has been abandoned.

The declaration was made to the Petitions' Committee of the European Parliament.

The committee met yesterday to consider three petitions against the proposed building of villas and pools at Ramla l-Hamra, two of which were sent in by Victor Galea, Alternattiva Demokratika Secretary General, and by AD's Munxar candidate and member on the AD Gozo Regional Committee, Michael Bajada.

At the hearing, the EU Commission announced that the Maltese government had stated that the project has been abandoned and MEP Simon Busuttil who sits on the Petitions Committee confirmed this.

"We are elated at this success in stopping such an unsustainable project from materializing" AD leader Arnold Cassola said.

Victor Galea, Alternattiva Demokratika Secretary General, added: "MEPAshould truly safeguard the environment around Ramla l-Ħamra by including the whole area in the EU-funded and protected programme of Natura 2000. Heritage trusts and NGOs should be supported in obtaining EU funds to transform the whole Ramla area into an international heritage site and protecting its archaeological remains. We now expect that Ramla bay be promoted to Blue Flag bay status."