The clean-up operation carried out on the morning of August 16, using a bulldozer and a mechanical shovel.

A beach operator has been questioned by the police after large rocks unearthed during the recent clean-up operation at San Blas Bay in Gozo went missing. Bathers who regularly frequent the beach were mystified when they discovered on Thursday morning that these rocks, which can only be carried using heavy machinery, were no longer there.

Replying to questions sent by this newspaper, the Gozo Ministry yesterday confirmed that a report had been filed to the police. It said the Nadur Council and planning authority were also notified.

Sources said the man was being questioned until yesterday evening.

The ministry distanced itself from the incident saying it had nothing to do with the disappearance of the rocks.

On the other hand, it noted that it is working alongside Mepa to establish a ‘method statement’ on how to handle such clean-up operations in future.

We received a number of complaints that there was a large amount of algae

On August 16, a bulldozer and a mechanical shovel were deployed at this scenic bay. People who witnessed it said the ecologically sensitive site was significantly disturbed since a number of large rocks were displaced.

Environmentalists and Nadur residents complained that such an operation should have been carried out by hand due to the ecological importance of the site. A Mepa enforcement officer was also sent on site.

Sources told Times of Malta that Clint Camilleri, an architect who works as a project manager in the Gozo Ministry, and a Labour MEP candidate, was seen supervising the works.

Contacted by this newspaper, Mr Camilleri, who is also Qala mayor, confirmed he was present during this controversial clean-up operation.

However, he said he only visited the site for a short time and distanced himself from the operation.

He said the order, as well as responsibility to supervise works, fall under the responsibility of the Gozo public cleansing department.

Mr Camilleri justified his presence, saying this is within his role as a member of the Gozo Ministry secretariat.

“My short presence at San Blas Bay was to assess the situation after we received a number of complaints that there was a large amount of algae on a number of beaches following days of strong winds. I was in no way in charge of method to be used for such cleaning or for its supervision,” said Mr Camilleri.

He also clarified he is not employed as an architect in the department in charge for beach cleaning. “My job is to direct the people’s complaints to the respective directorates and it is up to the concerned directorate to decide what action is necessary to be taken after consulting with its professional personnel.”

Asked about his views on the use of heavy machinery in such an environmentally sensitive site, Mr Camilleri declined to comment any further and referred the newspaper to the Gozo Ministry.

This beach, which is not easily accessible by car, is increasingly becoming popular following the closure of the San Blas sewage outflow.