Roamer's column

Published on the Times of Malta on Sunday 6th June, 2010.

Rumbling echoes of Eco-Gozo

Well, is Gozo to be eco-Gozo or just an echo of the concept appropriately dreamed up by the Nationalist Party in its 2008 electoral manifesto? Some are worrying, understandably, about a complex-in-the-waiting that includes a hotel, 250 residences and a yacht marina at Ħondoq ir-Rummien.

I have little time for some of the NGOs who have swiftly expressed their displeasure; methinks they often protest too much but, given the chasm and divergence of minds that characterised the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) meeting, this project still has some time to run before it gets off the drawing boards on which it is currently stapled.

But Mepa should regard the matter as one that goes beyond the obvious and the understandable opposition of the Qala residents; it should examine it at length in the context of the government's Gozo eco-vision, find fault with it within its framework.

A basic question to be asked is whether Gozo needs this project at all. Many are of the opinion that there is already enough hotel accommodation on the island; that the occupancy rate is not such that it warrants more beds; and the privatisation of the Mgarr yacht marina, which currently offers 200 berths, allows for more of these to be provided.

Giving 'Flesh to the eco Gozo vision' was the heading given to a piece contributed by the Minister for Gozo in yesterday's edition of The Times. Sounded promising enough; it all depends on the flesh she has in mind and how the cosmetics involved will beautify the island's face and honour the mission statement Gozo has drawn up.

The matter of the Ħondoq complex is being seen as a challenge to that much vaunted eco-Gozo concept. Still far from a conclusion, one could favour the removal of current pock marks at Ħondoq and transform it into a beauty spot for the general enjoyment of the people.

To view whole article and the comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100606/opinion/roamers-column