AD meets Qala residents on Hondoq ir-Rummien project
Published on The Malta Independent on 22nd September, 2006
Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party and AD Gozo Regional Committee led by AD chairman Harry Vassallo met with members of the Moviment Harsien Hondoq in Qala, Gozo to discuss the application for a major development complex and marina at Hondoq ir-Rummien.
Dr Vassallo said that a referendum in which 85 per cent of residents opposed the proposed project was not given sufficient weight by the authorities. He said this should be taken into consideration in the final decision.
Dr Vassallo said nobody should be deceived by promises of new employment opportunities resulting from this project as no detailed breakdown of the job opportunities which could result in the short, medium and long term is provided in the project description statement.
What Gozo needs is sustainable development that will differentiate the island of Gozo from Malta, he said, adding that projects for specific tourist niches which have long been identified should be implemented without any further delay. Much more could be done to attract foreigners to settle in Gozo which would result in economic benefits for many Gozitans.
He said such large projects will kill these possible job opportunities and destroy the distinct character of Gozo forever.
He referred to the current context, whereby the major hotels in Gozo, such as the Mgarr Hotel, the Andar Hotel and the Atlantis Hotel have ceased to operate as hotels since this situation was being considered as not sustainable, resulting in the loss of job opportunities. Dr Vassallo asked if any audit and feasibility studies have been carried out to justify the need for a five star hotel.
He said the project will have a hotel catering for 170 bedrooms, approximately 25 villas, 60 self-catering units, 200 multi-ownership residences, 731 underground parking spaces – only 90 of which are to be allowed for public use – 10 shops, five restaurants and a marina for 100 to 150 crafts.
“What must be made clear at this stage is that the application process still has a very long way to go and all those who recognise the inappropriateness of the development must be prepared for the long haul. Qala residents and all interested parties are due a clear explanation and Alternattiva Demokratika is committed to giving it to them.
The planning process is often complex and unclear especially with regard to a major development, however everybody can be made to understand what the situation is at present and we will provide the information residents need,” he said.
Dr Vassallo said the AD Gozo Regional Committee has been following developments closely and will be able to respond to residents’ queries by holding an information meeting in the village in the coming days. It is time for the 85 per cent of Qala residents to make their presence felt once more and to remind the developers that they will not be ignored.
Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party and AD Gozo Regional Committee led by AD chairman Harry Vassallo met with members of the Moviment Harsien Hondoq in Qala, Gozo to discuss the application for a major development complex and marina at Hondoq ir-Rummien.
Dr Vassallo said that a referendum in which 85 per cent of residents opposed the proposed project was not given sufficient weight by the authorities. He said this should be taken into consideration in the final decision.
Dr Vassallo said nobody should be deceived by promises of new employment opportunities resulting from this project as no detailed breakdown of the job opportunities which could result in the short, medium and long term is provided in the project description statement.
What Gozo needs is sustainable development that will differentiate the island of Gozo from Malta, he said, adding that projects for specific tourist niches which have long been identified should be implemented without any further delay. Much more could be done to attract foreigners to settle in Gozo which would result in economic benefits for many Gozitans.
He said such large projects will kill these possible job opportunities and destroy the distinct character of Gozo forever.
He referred to the current context, whereby the major hotels in Gozo, such as the Mgarr Hotel, the Andar Hotel and the Atlantis Hotel have ceased to operate as hotels since this situation was being considered as not sustainable, resulting in the loss of job opportunities. Dr Vassallo asked if any audit and feasibility studies have been carried out to justify the need for a five star hotel.
He said the project will have a hotel catering for 170 bedrooms, approximately 25 villas, 60 self-catering units, 200 multi-ownership residences, 731 underground parking spaces – only 90 of which are to be allowed for public use – 10 shops, five restaurants and a marina for 100 to 150 crafts.
“What must be made clear at this stage is that the application process still has a very long way to go and all those who recognise the inappropriateness of the development must be prepared for the long haul. Qala residents and all interested parties are due a clear explanation and Alternattiva Demokratika is committed to giving it to them.
The planning process is often complex and unclear especially with regard to a major development, however everybody can be made to understand what the situation is at present and we will provide the information residents need,” he said.
Dr Vassallo said the AD Gozo Regional Committee has been following developments closely and will be able to respond to residents’ queries by holding an information meeting in the village in the coming days. It is time for the 85 per cent of Qala residents to make their presence felt once more and to remind the developers that they will not be ignored.
posted by Hondoq at
11:23 AM
