SOS Hondoq News

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Hondoq ir-Rummien quay still awaiting repairs

Published on MaltaToday on Sunday 5th April, 2009.

Hondoq ir-Rummien quay is still a dangerous site for bathers, two months after a storm ravaged it and just months away from the beginning of the bathing season.

Residents told MaltaToday that although the beach was cleaned from large stones washed ashore, the beach is still full of small stones that could be in the way during the summer months if the project is not completed. Residents also reported that the sea surrounding it is full of rocks which could pose a danger to divers who jump from the quay.

The Department for Projects and Development within the Gozo ministry has initiated procedures to issue a tender for the quay’s repair, after being damaged by heavy storms.

Since the area is earmarked for a yacht marina and a massive residential project consisting of 285 residential units, Gozitans expressed concern that if the quay is not repaired before summer, Hondoq will become a no-go area for residents even before the project is even approved.

But a ministry spokesperson told MaltaToday it is envisaging all works will be completed before the bathing season.

According to the ministry action has also being taken to remove the boulders dislodged by rough seas near the quay. “Workers from the department have also cleaned the beach from large stones that were washed ashore. Dangerous fixtures were removed immediately after the storm,” a spokesperson said.