Residents, environmental NGOs object to Hondoq ir- Rummien development

Published on www.maltastar.com on Thursday 27th May, 2010.

A number of residents and environmental NGOs objected to the Hondoq ir-Rummien development project, which will see the construction of villas, apartments, hotels and a yacht marina.

The public hearing was held in Qala, Gozo this afternoon with Mario Spiteri, consultant of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, and Vince Farrugia, director general of the GRTU, defending the project.

Mr Spiteri said that the project will not affect the environment while Mr Farrugia attacked the objectors, saying that investment in the country does not come with “people like these.”

Astrid Vella, coordinator of Flimkien Ghall Ambjent Ahjar , asked how could MEPA approve such a project when the Government speaks of eco-Gozo.

Paul Buttigieg, spokesperson for Moviment Harsien Hondoq, reminded MEPA that the Qala residents had voted against the project in a referendum held in 2002.

Alex Vella, spokesperson for the Ramblers Association, said that the project should not come to the detriment of the surrounding area.

This project is also opposed by Nationalist Mayor Paul Buttigieg, who expressed his hope that the will of the majority will prevail.

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