Dear Sir,
I am extremely pleased that MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate is recommending refusal of the development of Ħondoq ir-Rummien as a real estate/marina complex, a development which would have ruined this beautiful part of Gozo’s coastline.
I sincerely hope that the MEPA Board will be consistent and refuse a permit for this proposed development. Such a refusal would be consistent with the Malta Maritime Authority’s 2009 report, which states: “No room for speculation – The development of new yacht marinas should not be accompanied by large real estate projects.”
Click photo to enlarge
In 2002, the policy regarding Ħondoq in the draft Gozo and Comino Local Plan agreed upon by MEPA and the Qala Local Council stated that: “The preferred use is to reclaim the area either for agricultural use or afforestation.” It said that at least 75% of the site should be afforested and that preference would be given to public open-air recreational facilities.
This was changed without consultation in the version of the Local Plan published in 2006, which states that: “The preferred use is to sensitively develop the area. Tourism and marine-related development may be considered by MEPA.”
When Moviment Harsien Ħondoq (MHH) questioned the lack of consultation regarding these changes, the Audit Office of Mepa concluded that after investigation, “the substantial changes carried out to the Draft Local Plans ought to have been subject to public consultations”. It is now clear that the public, the NGOs, and the Qala Local Council would not have condoned these changes, therefore it is being requested that Ħondoq be returned to its previous ODZ status.
Finally it is requested that the area at Ħondoq be rehabilitated and protected as a national park, allowing this area of natural beauty and heritage to be enjoyed by the public for generations to come. This could be overseen by the Qala Local Council, which has already shown its ability to obtain and manage EU funds for various Qala community projects. Along with MHH, the Local Council has already envisaged Ħondoq as a nature park; with the help of FAA and the University of Malta’s architecture students, it has already envisioned how Ħondoq can be enhanced in an environmentally-friendly way for Gozitans and tourists alike.
In summary I ask that:
- The MEPA Board A should not issue a permit allowing the development of Ħondoq ir-Rummien as a real estate/marina complex.
- That Ħondoq ir-Rummien is returned to its previous ODZ status.
- That Ħondoq ir-Rummien is designated as a National Park.
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