Destroying Hondoq Bay

Published on the Malta Independent by Leo Attard, Qala.

It seems that after the lull, the storm over the Hondoq Bay Project is looming over us once again. Signs have been put up showing the project with its yacht marina, hotels, restaurants and apartments! All this at the expense of the integrity of the natural environment, the bay itself, and without regard for all those Maltese and foreigners alike who converge upon Hondoq in the summertime to relax at one of the last remaining natural bays in Gozo, and the only bay there with light bluish sand! And who wants to destroy this beauty and this refuge? Greedy real estate developers who are probably filthy rich already, but are simply not satisfied and will never be until they have raped every inch of the island that offers a view for sale!

Let’s face it! The average Maltese and those starting off in life will not be able to afford it! Perhaps the hotel will provide employment – oh really? Then why did the luxurious Mgarr hotel with even better views close down and is now being rebuilt into flats? How long will the developers take before turning their hotel into more flats? I’m sure if it were my land Mepa would have said ‘No’ to my plans for development! Makes me wonder what sharks are swimming in my pool!

Let’s think of future generations! Let’s not ruin the tranquillity that Hondoq offers! Let the authorities concerned recall the Qala people’s referendum that cried out loud and clear ‘SAVE HONDOQ’. Let the authorities concerned go down in history as men of guts who could stand up and say ‘NO’ to the few insatiable who care only for their pockets and not for society in general!

For once, champion the cause of the downtrodden, the cause of nature – otherwise, let’s cut the bull about “Eco-Gozo”!!