Businessmen complain of lengthy Dwejra roadworks

Small businesses operating in Dwerja are worried works on the scenic road leading to the Gozitan landmark could carve a dent in their annual earnings.

Some tourists have been unable to make their way down the two-kilometre road to see the spectacular Azure Window due to the road works that started in October, according to a one business owner who preferred not to be named.

“Tourists often come to Gozo specifically to see Dwejra that is advertised in brochures. When they get here and see the road is closed due to works or is inaccessible by coach some give up while others brave the long walk,” he said, adding he was worried because no deadline had been set for the completion of the works.

Acknowledging the road works were necessary, he called on the authorities to speed them up to ensure tourists could access the fantastic site.

A spokesman for the Gozo Ministry, responsible for the road works, said it was planned the works, which started on October 25, would be completed by the end of February.

Works include replacing underground services, reconstructing the road and rebuilding collapsed or damaged roadside walls.

“The Department of Projects and Development within the ministry is closely monitoring the development and progress of works to ensure completion within the established timeframe... In the meantime, access to this site has been and is being facilitated whenever the works make it possible to do so,” the spokesman said.

San Lawrenz mayor Noel Formosa said various businesses had complained to the local council about the situation.

Dwejra had a small business community that included about 15 boat operators, diving schools, hawkers and a bar.

Dwejra was the site of environmental controversy last year when aggregate sand was dumped on the rocky Natura 2000 site for on location shooting in November. The situation was described as an “environmental disaster” by environmental groups.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority had acknowledged the film production company breached a condition to use an impermeable layer between the sand and the rocky surface. Some traces of the aggregate are still visible on site.

A recent study into the damage caused found that the rock surface was permanently damaged during the filming but the biodiversity was not impacted.

Another report found that the conditions set by Mepa were “by and large” satisfactory and sufficient but were not all followed by the film company involved.