Environmental NGOs Din l-Art Ħelwa and Nature Trust yesterday expressed strong reservations about the proposal by Labour leader Alfred Sant to transform the former dump sites at Magħtab and Qortin in Gozo into stand-alone golf courses.
Martin Galea, president of Din l-Art Ħelwa, told The Times when contacted that from available information both Magħtab and Qortin are unsuitable for golf, particularly because of their small size.
"Although we have nothing against this idea in principle, it is already a known fact that these sites are too small. There are other environmental and sustainability considerations such as the unknown contents of the dump sites and the steep gradients, which make them impracticable for developing a golf course," he said.
The same reservations were raised by Vince Attard, president of Nature Trust.
"The re-use of derelict land is a good idea, however, we still have no technical plans to see whether Magħtab could be turned into a golf course. One of the problems we can see is the contamination of underground water reserves through the seepage of water used to grow and maintain turf," he said.
Both Nature Trust and Din l-Art Ħelwa do not agree that Malta needs another golf course.
"Our land is so limited and Malta is surrounded by countries where many golf courses are readily available,' Mr Attard said. "I think we had better focus on other sectors to increase tourism such as the upkeep of our rich historic heritage."
On the other hand, Ralph Asciak, president of the Marsa Sports Club, thinks there is need for another golf course as the one in Marsa has reached saturation point.
Asked whether the present course could be expanded, Mr Asciak said this can be done if the government expropriates some adjoining land, mentioning the Għammieri farm as an example. "However, no one has consulted us yet about this proposal," he said.
In its electoral manifesto, Labour is proposing the development of two new golf courses at Magħtab and Qortin and the expansion of the existing one.
British engineering and management consultancy group Scott Wilson plc - which, in 2004, was responsible for a detailed study on the Development Of Rehabilitation Strategies For Magħtab, Qortin And Wied Fulija Landfills - told The Times this week that both Magħtab and Qortin are unsuitable for a golf course development.
According to Scott Wilson both sites are too small, the formation of the terrain is unsuitable and they contain hazardous contents.
Asked for his reaction, Dr Sant said last Wednesday his party had expert advice to the contrary and that a golf course at Magħtab is doable.