The Malta Environment and Planning Authority has stopped works on the Interpretative Centre at Dwejra pending further investigations as it is possible that there are deviations from the approved plans, the authority said in a one sentence statement this evening.

The interpretative centre is part of the Dwejra Action Plan involving the government and NGOs in the creation of a heritage park in the area.

Nature Trust (Malta) in a statement this evening welcomed the Mepa decision.

"The site in question was being assigned as a Visitors centre / Cafeteria by the Dwejra management Board under the Chairmanship of Mepa following a call for a site by the San Lawrenz Local Council.

"NTM recently received reports from Gozo on possible irregularities and passed on this report to Mepa to investigate and take action if needed. It noted that immediate action was taken by the authority," Nature Trust said.

The Regional Committee of Alternattiva Demokratika in Gozo also welcomed the decision. "Mepa should take this opportunity to ensure that all activities carried out to implement the Management Plan for Dwejra are fully transparent and that those responsible for its implementation are fully accountable and monitored” said Victor Galea, the AD spokesman for Gozo.