David Pisani, PRO, Żminijietna - Voice of the Left, Valletta
Ħondoq project's impact on sea and traffic
The fact that a few years ago, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority rejected the proposed development of a cruise liner terminal inside Mġarr Harbour area due to environmental considerations, as the area is a habitat for various protected species including a seaweed known as Posedonia meadow, means that Ħondoq ir-Rummien should be given the same treatment.
After all, the same species is found in Ħondoq ir-Rummien and is being threatened by the development of a yacht marina. The traffic impact statement of the proposed project has not yet been finalised and published.
One wonders why information of such high public interest was not published on the day of the recent public meeting or given to the council. People have a right to such information.
The referendum held in 2002 clearly shows that 85 per cent of Qala's residents disagree with the proposed project at Ħondoq ir-Rummien. The majority of the council members are also against the project.
Mepa should automatically re-ject the proposed development based on the fact that the area is of ecological importance and of public use for swimming purposes. The proposed yacht marina will destroy one of the most beautiful and clean beaches that are accessible in the Maltese islands.
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Anglu Xerri
Jun 28th 2010, 22:57
The developer and a handfull of people that are going to benefit from this project. These are the people that will destroy Hondoq and pollut this pristine bay for ever, kill Qala village with carbon monoxide and run with their pockets full of money. These are the only people that are in favour for this project, and I hope that the Government and Mepa are not with them. How much more proof this Government and Mepa needs to reject this project and give this pristine Hondoq bay back to the people of these islands, specially when you look back at all the comments against Qala Creek Project from the last month or so. It has to be 99.9% against isn't that enough for this Government and Mepa to tell the developer to take a hike.
lesley kreupl
Jun 28th 2010, 21:08
Mr. Theuma – it will be too late for Hondoq if we wait until the elections!
If this project materializes it really will be the end of Gozo as we know it.
It will certainly mean that the rest of the coastline will be indiscriminately developed - sooner - rather than later!
Unfortunately the present government doesn't care about the environment and neither does the Minister for Gozo, despite all the big plans for an Eco-Gozo. It is all just hot air.
James A. Tyrrell
Jun 28th 2010, 20:06
Until such times as the environment in Malta and Gozo is taken seriously by MEPA they will remain a highly paid joke. All this authority are interested in is pleasing developers in the rape of the country.
l.theuma
Jun 28th 2010, 17:58
Bogħod mill-għajn bogħod mill-qalb. This is the fate of Hondoq ir-Rummien. It is away from the sight of our leading politicians. HOWEVER ELECTION DAY WILL COME. EVERY ONE WILL BE GIVEN HIS DUE.
Charles Sammut NY USA
Jun 28th 2010, 13:21
Well said Mr Pisani. Unfortunately what is so obvious to the residents of Qala and to those of us that avail ourselves of the natural beauty of Hondoq somehow seems oblivous to MEPA whose seems not to leave a stone unturned in the process of justifying the rape and plunder of this magnificent bay. One wonders why is MEPA necessary when an open and shut case like this one keeps coming up and MEPA keeps biting at the temptation of ruining this place forever. The citizens of Malta and Gozo need MEPA like a hole in the head. If it keeps toying with the process of approving the destruction of Hondoq than than the letter E should be struck out of MEPA.