Wednesday, 26th November 2008 - 11:47CET

UPDATED: Gatt defends plans for new Ghadira road

(Updated 3.20 p.m. with Din l-Art Helwa objection)

Transport Minister Austin Gatt this morning defended government plans to build a new road from Ghadira to Marfa, saying it was needed as part of the EU’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN T) and to protect Ghadira beach from erosion.

The project raised a storm of protest when it was revealed in the Sunday papers three days ago.The plan is for the new road to stretch from behind the Danish village to the (green) caravan site.

Dr Gatt said the government acknowledged that sections of the road would have to run over garigue but denied opposition claims that it would cut right through the Foresta 2000 grove.

He said the issue first started to be discussed in June with MEPA, the Danish Village and BirdLife, in view of the Ghadira nature reserve. The operators of the Danish Village rejected the proposal immediately while BirdLife said they would consider the various options.

Dr Gatt said doing nothing would mean that Malta would lose significant funds and, more importantly, in the future, it risked losing Ghadira beach to erosion.

Former Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett at one time had proposed upgrading the existing road, which was good for the Ten T project but would not stop the beach erosion, the minister said.

A proposed bridge from the caravan site to the Danish Village was ruled out because it would disturb the nature reserve, while a tunnel would endanger the water table.

He said the new road would, for the most part, follow an existing trail, however the government was prepared to hear all options. Once the road was built, the existing road would be removed and the beach extended.

Din l-Art Helwa in a statement this afternoon said it strongly objected to the planned new road.

"The proposed road would cut through a protected and sensitive stretch of open countryside, and open the way to further development in an area that lies outside the development zone.

"The current traffic situation on the existing Ghadira road is not serious enough to warrant the destruction of protected countryside. Apart from the environmental damage that would be caused, Din l-Art Helwa sees no real justification for this project to go ahead," the NGO said.

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Comments

S.sAMMUT (on 28/11/08)

Here he goes again. This guy is never happy to see a peaceful surrounding. He surely doesn't want to leave any stones unturned. Give us a break.

Andrew Gatt (on 28/11/08)

Well, perhaps Birdlife can finally get a feel of what it means to be misinformed, mistreated, led up the garden path and finally steamrollered by unfeeling and uncaring authorities and environmentalists who say one thing and do the opposite.

Enjoy the taste of your own medicine guys.

Christine Attard (on 28/11/08)

Why beat around the bush Dr. Gatt?? If the government just want to remove the green huts once and for all there is not use of excuse. JUST REMOVE THEM!!! Don't continue to ruin the little unbuilt undeveloped land.

charles mangion (on 28/11/08)

Go on , minister, if you heed those who are always against anything that you do, nothing will be done. Give us back the Ghadiraof old. It will also be good for the tourist trade and much more for us.

k vella (on 28/11/08)

Why spend all that money for a new road? Pumping up sand from deeper water would enlarge the beach. The only thing which should be done to prevent sand going out to sea by strong winds is to leave the algae brought in along the waters' edge till spring time. Someone should also notice the amount of sand being taken away by trucks when cleaning the algae. Unfortunately the ahrax quarry has more sand being dumped in it rather than algae.

Not only the green huts are an eyesore but also the big buildings which stand all the way from mellieha village down to beach. This is disgrace!

We do live in a monkey island.

JULIAN CVARUANA (on 28/11/08)

1 . EXCUSE MY IGNORANCE BUT WITH ALL THAT MONEY CANT WE JUST DO A TUNEL UNDER THE EXISTING ROAD.????

2 . IS A GREEN ARE A GREEN FOR ALL OR GOVERMENT IS EXEMPT FROM THIS????

3. WHAT ABOUT KAPPARA JUNCTION FORGOTEN PROJECT ?? IS NOT THAT MORE URGENTTT??

WHERE ARE THE PRIORTIES IN THIS COUNTRY???

4. ( I WONDER WHAT BIRDLIFE HAS TO SAY ABOUT THIS , IF SO MUCH FUSS IS MADE OVER THE SHOOTING OF A BIRD ( ILLEGAL HUNTING IS BAD ANYWAY ) THE BUILDING OF A MAIN ROAD IN THEIR BACKYARD SHOULD TAKE THEM TO THE STREETS AND RIOT.) WHERE ARE THE GREENS NOW??

Peter Mercieca (on 28/11/08)

A blatant "NO" is in no way my normal style of putting forward my ideas or views, but it is surely the one representing my gut feeling on this issue - Malta's cannot afford losing more land to such developments. Can anyone confirm if beach erosion can be addressed from the sea as opposed from the land? If so, has Minister Gatt considered such alternatives and can the EU funds we have to utilise not be directed to better and less harmful use?

V.Micallef (on 28/11/08)

I must admit I am delighted to see that more and more readers of The Times are coming round to see Austin Gatt for what he really is! Somebody applauded him for being a minister who goes through with his plans. Yes, that's true. Trouble is his plans are not exactly what is sorely needed in the national interest. But at long last more and more people are getting wise. This is only the beginning.

A.Gauci Cunningham (on 27/11/08)

ODZ??? This land is ODZ??? Can someone please confirm or deny whether this land is ODZ!!

".......ODZ is ODZ......" .............................Gonzi's words not mine!!!!

S. Camilleri (on 27/11/08)

Prime Minister Austin Gatt at it again .... !!! Trust him to (try to) do what not even bad old evil Lorry Sant managed to do in the dark Mintoffian era...........

If he fears losing his precious funds why not redirect them to fix our 3rd world road network which after so many PN administrations still manage to reduce your 4 wheeled taxed investments to loosely fitting metal pieces in a few years.

...Wake up (P)minister Gatt. We do not need new roads in pristine places...just half decent ones.

silvan cutajar (on 27/11/08)

@M Borg,

I totally agree with your comments.
Minister Gatt needs to reorganise his priority list at this stage. Approved funding on various other arterial roads has been obtained already, design and the tendering process are ready but to date these remain just plans. No works have ever been started on these roads.I am referring to the upgrading of Marsascala by pass, the Cirkewwa road from Ghadira and Valleta road in Zurrieq.

I cannot understand this last invention in order to take up EU funds. As mentioned earlier, there are other priorities in order to ease the traffic congestion in various parts of the country, especially Addolorata, Qormi and Kappara areas. And what about Smart City? What about the roads in Zabbar/Fgura area which will suffer directly the impact of the new IT City? Are these priorities or not dear Minister?

K Bonello (on 27/11/08)

Saving Ghadira Beach from erosion????!!!!!!!

Christine Galea (on 27/11/08)

Shame on who came up with this idea! The argument of not wasting EU funds does not make sense. Its ironic that one of the reason for voting for Malta entry to the EU was safeguarding the environment and we will utilise EU funds for its distruction!!!

Please keep your promise to be a "green" government.

Stephen Sultana (on 27/11/08)

After the "final" decisions of the utility tariffs which now have been overturned..........................

after the infamous MITTS scandal, where sensitive passwords were hacked..........................

now the Hon Minister is in the middle of another controversary!!!

Dear Austin, please give us a break!! Better for you to practice again your profession rather than experimenting with your Ministry!

T Debono (on 27/11/08)

This is one thing I actually find myself agreeing with the minister on. One thing we do not have the luxury of in Malta is an abundance of beaches. It was a scandal that a road be built through such a sensetive area to begin with, and it would be a blessing to regain the beach that was lost years ago to such a careless decision.

Think about it, Ghadira would regain so much more beachland, and potentially be a much nicer place without that horrid main road running through it.

The area behind the reserve is definitely not nearly as ecologically important as regaining the beachland.

M Borg (on 27/11/08)

Dr Gatt. We can't just invent to do something in order to get EU Funds. i have already made my remarks further down, stating what the EU requires from each Member State it helps. Now, if we want to be serious, why don't we use this useful money to build a flyover in Marsa, near Addolorata Cemetry/Shipbuilding? Why don't we consider building another flyover in Qormi (near l-Imghallaq) facilitating traffic coming from Zebbug direction to the airport? And why not thinking about another flyover at Kappara (formerly Tank tal-Gas) roundabout? And what about thinking of making two more tunnels, one from the South area, and one from Sliema area, which lead directly to San Gwann industrial area/ Mater Dei/University area? And what about a new road linking the North of Gozo to the South (therefore by-passing Victoria)????? Will these projets be more useful to the public, than building a NEW SINGLE LANE road in Ghadira, increasing traffic congestions in such a busy road leading to Cirkewa? And by the way, Malta will be entitled for funds from the TEN-T project for such roads/projects as well. We better think twice.

Alex Ellul (on 27/11/08)

@Robert Cassar: I have a problem going to work and back every day of the year, not in summer only. Priorities please. I do frequent ghadira, day and night, and assure you that I have never seen a traffic jam on the ghadira road. The traffic jams start further in, Selmun/Mistra road, St. Paul's Bay roundabout, etc etc. This proposed new ghadira road project is, unlike all the good things made by this government, just useless. If there should be a project there, it should consist of a bridge between Mellieha near new Service station and L-Ahrax

Paul Caruana (on 27/11/08)

May I respectfully ask the hon. minister to carefully reconsider the proposal to upgrade the existing ghadira road. While not ideal, it is certainly much better than building a brand new road right through an area of high ecological value. Furthermore, I would suggest that narrowing the only arterial road leading to Gozo to single lane does not make sense, considering the heavy traffic flow going through it during the summer months/weekends.

Please just upgrade the current road...and do keep it as a dual carrageway both ways!!

Robert Cassar (on 27/11/08)

I think it’s a good project what they are planning to do. I do live in Ghadira and contrary to what some people had argued there is a traffic problem there especially in summer. However since the government is planning to make changes over there I would recommend that they plan a good parking area for people visiting so hopefully they will stop parking in front of my garage!

D.MANGION (on 27/11/08)

With the proposed development the present restaurants at Ghadira will have to be relocated and (as is the norm) upgraded and expanded.

I would like to compete with them. I am willing to build my new "beach facilities" establishment right next to the proposed ring road. No problem if it touches the Ghadira Natural Reserve. On the contrary, I would like to have my restaurant area bang in the middle of the reserve. Imagine what an excellent view my patrons would enjoy! It will bring to Malta high class tourists, and once we're at it...why not build at golf course along the whole valley?
After all... high earning tourists usually do not give a damn about the environment. They would have probably made big money destroying their own piece of environment elsewhere.
The high earning people will always manage to have their own piece of natural environment in one way or another. They can afford it. The common heritage, the common environment, is only for the common, insignificant miser.

J. Sammut (on 27/11/08)

If you look at Malta through a plane's window or some software like Google Earth, you can't help but notice how the ratio of "developed" land to natural habitat keeps on increasing at an impressive rate. I am sure that many of us share the feeling that our tiny beautiful island is losing its unique character and being transformed into a jungle of concrete/tarmac/buildings.
As with any other limited resource, setting good priorities is a must. At this stage, every single square meter of natural land which we "develop" is another drop lost from an already bleeding Malta. I really cringed when I first read this article proposing laying a whole road through such a prime area!
I strongly believe that our priority should be protecting our environment, & not inventing another environment-destroying-project to get some EU money!

a cutajar (on 26/11/08)

There are various other parts of the road network earmarked for TEN-T funding which certainly require more pressing attention: just think about Marsa-Addolorata junction which is a daily traffic congestion nightmare for all people hailing from the south and southeast localities!
And what about Smartcity route from Tal-Barrani? Are there any definite plans to upgrade tal-Barrani arterial road and roads around Zabbar to cope with the projected huge traffic likely to be generated by this new city?
Dear Minister: make an extra effort and disclose Government's financial obligations with respect to traffic management plans related to the realisation of this huge private investment.

oliver mallia (on 26/11/08)

Good idea,
Extend the beach so in winter we will have the spaces were we could practice the wind buggy’s and in summer a place for my own umbrella

john borg (on 26/11/08)

Why waste EU funds on building a new road which absolutely is not a priority. If Austin Gatt finds the time to tour many arterial roads in his new jaguar, he would certainly realize which roads should he prioritise!

Albert Gauci cunningham (on 26/11/08)

Same Minister, same attitude, same arrogance, same pettiness!! Just like the W&E Bills he came up with 4 proposals (ghat-taparsi!!) and surprise, surprise (!!!!) only one of these 4 ideas can be implemented the others are bad, horrible, stupid and only a few tree huggers like them!!!

So dear Austin is saying that there is no alternative to this but if anyone has a better proposal (which according to gatt there isn't) they should come up with it!! (but gatt will dismiss it there and then like he did with the W&E bills because his is the best, the omnipotent plan!!!!!!)

@ Austin Gatt-----Austin the people have lost trust in you, the people do not believe in you, you have become the PN's biggest liability out of your own choice and as long as you think Malta is a saloon, we are all cowboys and the PN is your silly mule you and your party will never get my vote again!!!

Richard Cachia Zammit (on 26/11/08)

@Harry Borda
Mr Borda, the environment is not something that belongs only to environmental groups. It is something that belongs to everyone including yourself and we have an obligation to protect the little countryside left for future generations to enjoy.

Michael Buhagiar (on 26/11/08)

Please can anyone here explain why the existing road damages the beach's sand? Why is there any need for another road. The most needed road is at Xemxija when always traffic is jammed. And maybe someone can put a bucket of tarmac on the last part of the Manikata road which took about a year and a half to put a trench in it and be surfaced again except the last part on the Mgarr side.

A.E.CAMILLERI (on 26/11/08)

If the reason for wanting to save Ghadira Bay against erosion and because of increasing sea levels the answer is simple. Just elevate on pillars the central part of the exisiting road by a few feet (like at Msida). I do not think that extending the bay inwards would make it more popular . The new road built further away from the beach would increase the lenght people would have to walk to the beach ! Anybody thought of this ?

Godwin Pullicino (on 26/11/08)

Mellieha Bay needs a major revamp. A jewel of a beach, beautiful sight coming down the hill approaching the bay. But how devoid of facilities this bay is. I have travelled and seen the facilities in Australia, Indonesia, Mediterranean countires, USA, and I must say, Mellieha Bay, beautiful as it is, is just light years behind many resorts. The sandy beach itself should be organised as they do in Rimini or Cote D'Azur in France, there should be decent toilet facilities, bars, shops etc. Running parallel to the beach should be a wide pedestrianised zone for people to walk, flanked by various sporting facilities, e.g. table soccer, volleyball, basketball, 'Quiet Area' for reading etc, swings. This would make the area day and night rich in facilities, create jobs, improve the leisure scene and entertainment in general. The road should be taken way behind the nature reserve and a good distance from the Danish complex. And by the way, there should be 2 huge car parks at either end of the bay and all parking must be in these car parks, no street parking at all! Keeps cars in the shade all day, if anything! Come on Maltese, get things done!

Mattias Agius (on 26/11/08)

I pass from this road quite often, easy flowing traffic any time of the day. Has minister gatt ever tried to come out of the south of malta at around 8 am, during the week. that is traffic. what the hunters did not manage to do some time ago, gatt intends to do it with his hands. gatt ask the people who live there if the road is needed, ask the danish village, ask the people at the reserve and those children who planted trees over there. craziest idea ever! green finger gatt!

M Borg (on 26/11/08)

I am really concerned when i hear such comments from our Minister! EU Funds under the Trans-European Transport Network are not so plain forward.
Firstly they require that there is a PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) in undertaking such projects. Can the Government inform us who is the Private company earmarked for this project?
Secondly, the TEN-T requires that these projects have a pay-off in the future, with reference to the Electronic Road Toll. This will mean that all those using this road in the future have to pay a 'toll' in order to recoupe the expenses. Have we told the Gozo community about this, since they are the ones most likely to use this road as the main road to accessing mainland Malta? Will this put the economy of the island of Gozo in a better position?
Thirdly TEN-T specifically states that beside roads, the projects could also entail ports and terminals. Have our brave minister thought about using the funds to complete the Cirkewa eyesore?
And unlike ERDF Funds and Cohesion Funds, which are actual GRANTS, this can entail a loan from the EIB. MR MINISTER, can you please tell us whether OUR govt has any intention to get any loans??

charles vella (on 26/11/08)

Go ahead do it it is a very big problem , the road in summer is very dangerous for people crossing other open car the door on the main roads, buses ,stopping in the middle of the road .Who say it is not a problem . If you live in this area you change your mind .

Andrew Cumbo (on 26/11/08)

How can we imagine continuing watching birds landing in this little lake sandwiched between two busy roads? Considering also the efficiency and capability of this Government to build projects in estimated time, will determine the existence of this nature reserve due construction reparations’.
I think now Dr. Austin Gatt is waiting for all the environmental institutions to unite together and organise a manifestation, so he will understand his wrong doings. And again we are going to assist Dr. Lawrence Gonzi with late discussions to solve this problem too.

silvan cutajar (on 26/11/08)

Dear Dr. Gatt

The question here is .. WHAT AND WHERE ARE THE PRIORITIES IN THIS COUNTRY?

Seriously, do we need a brand new road on this site in Mellieha considering that the redesigning and upgrading plan of long stretches of our road network has almost stopped for an unknown reason?
Main roads are still in shambles and far from being according to EU standard. I am refering to roads that everyone uses such as the Zebbug Attard link road, the Gudja By Pass (from Mc Donalds roundabount up to Tal Barrani junction), Bulebel distributor road up to Zabbar, Mosta Iklin road, Valletta road Zurrieq, Marsa golf course link road from Qormi (a disgrace!!) etc... Do I need to continue dear Minister?

The prioriy should be in this direction not new roads. And please, upgrading does not mean NARROWING arterial roads!!

To all PN apologists ...... Please don t let further destruction on ODZ land with the excuse that funds will be lost. The Environment is the common good and you know how precious is the environment that we still have and enjoy. Look at the picture itself and compare the built up area with the natural part!!!

Joe Vella (on 26/11/08)

@ Marion Zammit

The only thing that is "totally unfair and uncalled for" in regards to the green shacks at Ghadira is by the way that the owners took the land in the first place back in the early '70's.

They have been an eye sore for those who come from the village of Mellieha for all those years; and I am sure for any other fair minded Maltese person.

Joe Vella (on 26/11/08)

This project has been in the pipeline for a long time now. The project, I believe, have been approved by the EU and the funds required provided by the EU some time ago now. I believe it is this context that the Minister said that the funds will be lost if not proceeding with the project.

Joe Vella (on 26/11/08)

@ D. Fenech

The owners of the green shacks in Ghadira are there as a testimonial to the days of Dom Mintoff days. I wonder if the MLP spokes person, Leo Brincat, spoke against this project in just an attempt to protect the owners of the green shacks. By proceeding with this project not only the beach itself will be extended far back to the nature reserve, but also the green shacks will be gone once and for all.

The Mellieha village core is not being destroyed for the reasons you mentioned, but by the high amount of exhaust that makes it impossible to shop. Proceding with the project will. I am sure, reduce the traffic volume through our lovely village.

B. Cachia (on 26/11/08)

What about getting rid of that extremely ugly green shanty town, paying some form of compensation to the tenants if need be?

albert leone ganado (on 26/11/08)

Am I right in remembering Mellieha bay havinga much wider stretch of sand when the road was moved to its present position about 15 years ago If this is the case serious erosion of the beach is already taking place

So that by doing nothing we will save some garigue at the expense of losing the beach.

Rather than a categoric no to the road, or a government solution without discussion with society and NGO,s , a number of alternative routes should be put forward with a clear early deadline of say six weeks for a final decision.

Whatever one finally decides there will always be gains and losses as it is always a question of striking the right balance.

CLIFFORD VELLA (on 26/11/08)

Can the authorities tell me where we are going to park our cars when we go to swim in Ghadira. It is already a problem now so I cant imagine in the future without a car park. An underground car park we cannot do as well because of the sea level.

Frans van Avendonk (on 26/11/08)

The problem at Ghadira is not the road for traffic circulation but the lack of adequate parking for beach goers in summer. At all times the number of people on the beach is low, traffic flows without problem. So what about clearing the green shanty town and making a paid parking there?

chris camilleri (on 26/11/08)

Where you make a campfire (Which is illegel now) the grass grows again, but where roads are built the environment is destroyed forever!!!

Byron Camilleri (on 26/11/08)

Keeping in mind the not so far St.Paul's bay road project... Ghadira would be extended some 10 years from now...

Edwin Formosa (on 26/11/08)

Is this all the criticism you can raise against the proposed road and Dr Gatt ?? Thank God it's kids stuff compared to the land speculation criticism we were used to some decades ago.

C.Camilleri (on 26/11/08)

Speaking like this it Din l-Art Helwa has never been to Ghadira during the summer season to taste a bit of the traffic congestion there.
Dr. Gatt and Co. just take this point. The more you put a project for discussion the more objections you get and the more time will be wasted. Discussions are taking too much time of the Govt and anyway no praise is forthcoming for that. Pls carried on with the job as time is passing out and then these same people will criticize you for doing nothing.

P>Vella (on 26/11/08)

Very good excuse for speculation-property owners on that road should bless the minister.
Why not land reclaimation instead of land de-claimation. Money should be spent more wisely please for general public achievment and not for individuals.
Public got fed up now being fed rubbish or making us swallow it.
Prime Minister please take note.

Marion Zammit (on 26/11/08)

well, many are saying that the caravans at ghadira are shacks. could be true for some. but these shacks are inhabited by people who pay rent to the government, pay their electricity and water bills, etc. Now let's just hope that these families, many of whom do not afford any other summer residence but one of these 'shacks', are not evacuated from their summers houses. totally unfair and uncalled for.

Eman Formosa (on 26/11/08)

@ Pierre Borg
You invited Minister Gatt to join you on a ride and show him the roads that need to be redone. Well done!
Please point out to the Minister that the trip would be in a "normal" car and not in JAGUARS.!.!

victor vella (on 26/11/08)

I have nothing against development, niether against the new road, actually those who said thatthe present road is good enough havent been on that road in summer. I do not think that the goverment will build a controversial road so that some developer would build near it especially when the funds are coming from the EU. What I would like to ask the minister if it was possible is, would the beach extension be for the public or for the beach concession owners? As it is ghadira bay is too small to accomodate the high number of people who go there each summer, but for the love of God the all mighty please leave some space for the public.

Phil Press (on 26/11/08)

@ Henrik. WE REQUIRE BOTH.
@ Anthony. No need to panic, like St,. Pauls Bypass. It will never be copleted.

C. Schembri (on 26/11/08)

@ D. Fenech

I couldn't agree with you more on the following points:
> Water level rising, and we must adapt to these changes
> Green Shack Owners
> Proposal is not so bad after all

Considering this will be increasing our beaches and reducing chances of their erosion. Between Option4 (tunnel behind Dansih Village) and Option5 (new surface road behind Danish Village), I think I would choose Opt.4 despite the extra costs. At least a part of the new road would be hidden. Still, something needs to be done.

B Sant (on 26/11/08)

So first you make lots of main roads from double lane to single lanes and now you tell us that you need a new road.... hellooooooooo....anybody out there???????

Harry Borda (on 26/11/08)

Go for it Austin!! Let enviroment groups get a taste of their own medicine!!!!!

J Micallef (on 26/11/08)

What a silly excuse to ruin our habitat.

Is this some kind of joke? There are 1,000 other needy projects dealing with roads - is this so urgent? Are we trying to accomodate someone obscure here?

JPO - please speak up!

Dr. Gonzi - please take control of thie situation.

All Maltese - open up your eyes, ears & mouths!

Lourdes Curmi (on 26/11/08)

And yet another brilliant project that needs the Austin Gatt bulldozer to plough through. Prediction: bound to irk all* of Maltese and ultimately idea will be discarded altogether or changed drastically.
* all Maltese ecept for the usual PN apologists

J. Borg (on 26/11/08)

@ Anthony Valletta
You have hit the nail on the head!
Well observed indeed!

D. Fenech (on 26/11/08)

I don't think that it is Austin Gatt that is inventing the idea that the height of the sea level is increasing. This is a fact that we can choose to ignore or we can choose to do something about. Malta cannot afford to lose the only decent stretch of sandy beach on the island. We depend on tourism and we cannot afford to take these chances.
Regarding spoiling Mellieha, this was done by Dr. Gonzi and his cabinet who in 2006 voted for a reduction in the Village Core and increase in building heights. Dr Gonzi will be remembered in our history books for being the Prime Minister in charge when such a reckless decision took place ruining our villages forever.
It does not surprise me that objections will come from the owners of the green shacks in Ghadira who really and truly should not be there in the first place.
I don't think it will effect the sanctuary or the Danish Village unless they had the intention of excpanding.
I think it will be a great idea to have a waterfront without cars.

Dion Borg (on 26/11/08)

If the beach is Dr. Gatt's concern, why not simply assess the feasibility of extending the beach outwards - this has already been done in St. George's Bay.
Moreover, if government is so concerned about Ghadira beach - why is it letting polluting fish farms opearting within the bay itself?
Sometimes one cannot but wonder, whether successive ministers get a thrill of lambasting such destructive roads, simply because there will be millions of euros to be distributed to contractors and as the saying goes.....

pierre borg (on 26/11/08)

I cannot understand Dr Gatt. We have roads in a miserable state, it is a shame and depressing to drive on our roads, and he is dreaming of a project that will taint the natural elements of our country side.
I am a staunch PN supporter but Minister Gatt has lost contact with what the country needs.
He should apply for the funds to use them for the rest of the roads that are in a disaster.
It the minister wants he joins me on a ride and show him the roads that need to be redone.

Albert Attard (on 26/11/08)

Would the present road be eliminated and returned to sand and nature if the proposed road is built? Than that would be not such a bad idea as more of the beach would be reclaimed + the nature areas will be preserved accept for that the garigue and bit of foresta 2000 which needs to be barthered. However the new road will be more scenic and gives a more pleasant general ambiance for the beach.

However, if the present road will not be eliminated than the proposed road is NOT necessary and if anything funds should go in upgrading the bad state of so many existing roads and not building brand new ones especially when these Islands cannot afford more of its open spaces taken up for this sort of developments.

Leonard Tonna (on 26/11/08)

Dr. Gatt,

Can we get some EU funds to clear out the semi finished, left deserted, Gozo Ferry Bad Weather Terminal which was being constructed in the Mintoff Era if I am not mistaken. This is a scar on the Ahrax Coastline, with iron beams protruding out of the rocks, a danger to many. Not to mention the countless concrete blocks left lying around in the area.

michael fenech (on 26/11/08)

@ Joe Vella and Ludwig Caruana,

I'm I right ,I get the feeling that we're (GOVERNMENT) dispirit for money,because it seems that now a days we are willing to do anything for EU funds.

D. Abdilla (on 26/11/08)

Well said H.Piski!

Dane Cauchi (on 26/11/08)

Instead of dreaming about unmanageable projects Gatt should start working on making our roads to EU standards.

Kurt Sansone (on 26/11/08)

How typically arrogant of Austin Gatt. We will lose EU funds because of government incompetence to see projects start and finish on time and within budget and not because the wasteful and unnecessary Ghadira road will not be built.

The existing Ghadira coast road can be easily upgraded. Furthermore there are much more important road junctions that require reconstruction such as the Marsa Shipbuilding area and the Paceville/Regional Road junctions and the sensitive Xemxija-Mellieha link road.

And this not to mention the eternally promised investment in public transport which never seems to materialise.

lgalea (on 26/11/08)

The EU’s Trans-European Transport Network is just a lot of hogwash.
As if we need to destroy more land to widen our roads for transport to go to Gozo and back!
What we need is to repair the old roads and make them worthy of the word roads, not having the vast majority of our roads suitable for a safari.
What we also need is to stop narrowing our roads by making runways suitable for jumbos to land on while getting on the nerves of drivers.
Who and why are we paying those stupid idiots who are designing our roads?

Anthony Valletta (on 26/11/08)

Prime Minister.We do not want any more arrogance.Listen to the people.We don't want another road in Mellieha Bay.It is been ruined enough by MEPA permits.
Part of the garigue has already been destroyed by building the drainage plant.It has been destroyed From St Paul's up to Ic Cummnija, by the laying of pipes and by digging a tunnel to the
plant.Is this a move so that behind Mellieha Bay Hotel be will be developed???

A. Attard (on 26/11/08)

again who is ruling? AustinPN or GonziPN?

Karl Abela (on 26/11/08)

@ Simon Brincat

Many people like your kindself CHOOSE voluntarily to hear just the bad news. Eventually you do get that bad impression if you force it on yourself. Hasn't it always been the same in our country since PN where in government?

The blues choose to hear the good news and the reds only choose to hear the depressing news.

s.cutajar (on 26/11/08)

With all due respect to the minister, this is a repeat of the same attitude, by the same minister, as has happened in the case of the Smart City approach road which suddenly is to mushroom in Bieb is-Sultan Area in Zabbar, even if there was an alternative route around the same village which was approved many years ago by Parliament.

No consideration was ever taken to the agricultural, environment and the traffic impacts on the immediate surroundings (villages) to Smart City !!!

Where is the real consultation here? Fait accompli as always. All sort of excuses are given.

Franco Farrugia (on 26/11/08)

The priority is not transport or EU funds, in this case.

In my opinion, the priority is to save the pristine natural elements that are left in our islands, and this should be given top priority by each Minister in this Government.

The Mellieha area is, in my opinion, the most natural area that has remained intact. Let us not destroy the little we have left.

M Aquilina (on 26/11/08)

Dear Dr Gatt, we do not need new roads. It's better if we get funds and re surface the ones we have then building new ones. Apply for re surfacing not new roads... and please mr prime minister hold his horses cause he is running over you....

maria falzon (on 26/11/08)

let's hope that, as shown in the utility tariffs saga, the goodwill of the people and common sense will prevail. Dr. gonzi should put austin gatt in charge of controlling hunters and trappers.

Paul Cassar (on 26/11/08)

What is this re losingEU funding? This debate should have taken place then not now or are we being taken for granted and informed whenever govt. feels like it. Building a new road entails huge machinery and lots of material that does great harm to one of the few green areas remaining on our Islands. People with such bizarre projects are only managing to ruin not embellish our countryside. EU money can be used to repair and upgrade the sorry state of our roads. Going abroad only beggars the question where have all the millions spent in the last two decades on road repairs, gone. Please spare us more waste of money and worse, further destruction of green areas with the excuse of safeguarding them!!!

Anthony Formosa (on 26/11/08)

I truly cry when I see a picture like this, flats and more flats on the background of the once most beauty spot of Malta, and now a road will continue to do more damage. It's true what the hunters say, that they are the only ones who really protect the countryside from more damage. What is birdlife considering about this destruction? some kind of a new deal, they must object to this project at all costs.

A.Mizzi (on 26/11/08)

IS Dr. Gatt's decision final and irrevocable or do we get the Prime Minister Gonzi in on Dr. Gatt's decision to find a compromise like the Water and Electricity tariff increase u-turn?

Adrian Cachia (on 26/11/08)

How much does that Garigue cost?? Whatever funds we are going to lose this time...they are worth losing until all the proposals are heard. Is it possible that there are only 3 options??

Alex Ellul (on 26/11/08)

There are more urgent needs in many areas of Island other than this road. Every morning we have to drive through many junctions that cause traffic jams, causing the loss of expensive petrol and diesel, unnecessary pollution, loss of expensive time, and accidents. These junctions are today controlled by traffic lights or roundabouts that should have been converted into overpasses tens of years ago. Also we have secondary roads interconnecting various towns. If such roads were to be repaired, they would take a lot of rush hour traffic, reducing the load on the arterial roads. Other main roads too are in a bad state of repairs, such as Zabbar to M'scala, Valletta Road and Blue Grotto Avenue Zurrieq, through which a million tourists drive or are driven over each year, thinking that they are on a roller coaster, on their way to Hagar Qim, Mnajdra Temples and the Blue Grotto. Siggiwi - Rabat road come to mind.. etc etc.

I am not one to criticise Dr. Gatt unecessarily, knowing that he has contributed a lot to the modernisation and prosperity of the Islands. However this proposed road is not of a priority at all compared with other necessities.

J Farrugia (on 26/11/08)

Mr Pinski please refrain from criticising what we the maltese nation do in the national interest. There are enough Maltese citizens to work this out we do not need your advice. As regards this road, I think that at last the government is tackling this issue in a just manner and that there is no alternative. We all know how busy this important artery road is to the whole country, and finally the government is tackling this item in a rational manner. Do you have other solutions?? Or are there so many personal interests which may be crossed? We're not that gullible.

Joseph Micallef (on 26/11/08)

Why should the government insist on building a road simply in the pretext of not losing EU funds? EU funds should be used to Malta's benefit such as restoring Fort St. Elmo or Fort St Angelo. Redirecting the Ghadira road should be based on studies which take into account the environment - if the government has any studies these should be made readily accessible to the public. And how does the building of a new road link with making Gozo an eco-island ( http://www.eco-gozo.gov.mt/ ) ? Is the government expecting an increase in traffic to the eco-island?

A. Saliba (on 26/11/08)

"If we want to upgrade the ten-T network let us upgrade the roads that really need it."

Agreed Mr. Mufsud. How about starting with the Kappara junction for example.

mario mifsud (on 26/11/08)

Please Dr Gonzi PN take the situation in hand
If we want to upgrade the ten-T network let us upgrade the roads that really need it.
The minister should be ashamed of himself for saying that unless this road is built we will lose EU financial help. does this mean that no matter what we shall build it irrespective of the damage done. enough damage has been done with the sewage treatment plant let us not continue with the destruction. Common sense must prevail ... I HOPE so at least

rebuild the existing road on low pillars and leave what is left alone

Henrik Piski (on 26/11/08)

The country does not require new roads but a new public transport.

simon brincat (on 26/11/08)

Is it just me or am I in the impression that all we are getting from our government these last few months are bad news one after the other and a horrible feeling of take it or leave it attitude?

STEPHEN FARRUGIA (on 26/11/08)

Trans what?

Does it mean I can pick up a truck to take me to Europe and save the flying?

Yours truly,
( Bird)

UPDATED: Gatt defends plans for new Ghadira road

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