DLH objects to yacht marina sites

Din l-Art Helwa has urged the government not to set up new yacht berthing facilities near swimming areas or along undeveloped coastline.

The Infrastructure Ministry and the Malta Maritime Authority last month made a number of proposals for the location of new marinas.

DLH said it recognised the need for the construction of new yacht marinas within existing harbours, since the demand for berthing facilities exceeded supply and this demand was projected to increase over the coming years.

"However Din l-Art Helwa does not find it acceptable for the Malta Maritime Authority to propose the construction of seasonal yachting facilities in the close vicinity of swimming areas such as St Julian’s bay, Veccja in St Paul’s Bay, and Marsascala bay. This is likely to render these popular areas unsuitable for swimming due to the degradation of water quality," DLH said.

It said it was also against the proposal to construct new yachting facilities along stretches of undeveloped and pristine coastline, such as at Qalet Marku bay in Bahar ic-Caghaq.

"Such developments are likely to lead to the urbanisation of the natural coast through the gradual construction of land-based facilities to service the marinas," it said.