Kerċem residents are calling for the conservation of the only Roman catacombs in Gozo as the government waits on the planning authority’s decision about halted development in front of the site.

The paleochristian hypogea, known as Għar Għerduf, whose conservation is specifically mentioned in Labour’s manifesto, recently came under threat by new development.

NGO Wirt Għawdex  raised the alarm in June after excavation work started on foundation trenches for a two-storey house to be constructed in front of the catacombs. The public also expressed its solidarity and disappointment.

Soon after, the PA said it would be discussing whether to withdraw the permit for the house. It said that when the application was being processed, the Planning Directorate considered the zone as a Class B archaeology site. However, records show that the site and the surrounding 100 metres were protected as a Class A category until October of 2000.

Kerċem residents who spoke to this newspaper called for the conservation of the site, and one sent pictures of the state of the catacombs to politicians and media.

The photos show several fissures and overgrown weeds around the area. They are captioned: “Once there was the Azure Window, and we’ll soon be saying ‘Once there was Għar Għerduf’.”

Wirt Għawdex is calling for the expropriation of Għar Għerduf and a ban on development in the immediate surroundings.

Asked for its reaction about the expropriation and conservation appeal, the Gozo Ministry said that the government is currently waiting for a final decision from the PA in view of its recent announcements.

“The electoral manifesto of this administration clearly highlights the aim to increase investment, restoration and upkeep of cultural and historical heritage in Gozo, and specifically mentions Għar Għerduf as one of the sites which might be conserved for environmental research.”

The spokesman was asked whether the government was considering expropriating the land and replied that the ministry had held discussions with Wirt Għawdex. The NGO, he added, had “publicly expressed its satisfaction at the minister’s commitment to give due importance to Għar Għerduf and all other issues dealing with the cultural and historical heritage of Gozo”.

The government is waiting for a decision from the PA, which is discussing whether to withdraw the permit for a two-storey development in front of the Għar Għerduf catacombs. Photo: Daniel Cilia