Dilemma over Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay

Published on the Malta Independent on Thursday 1st July, 2010 by Michael Carol Bartolo.

Over the past weeks in Gozo, and in particular the village of Qala, the dilemma on “Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay”, with regard to the well-known proposed development known as the “Qala Creek Project” arose again. Everyone must have heard of this project and also about the impact it will have, not only on Qala residents and the natural environment, but also on the many Gozitans, Maltese and tourists who visit the bay especially in summer, as shown in the photo, and to a lesser degree in winter.

In my opinion and in the opinion of the majority of the people of Qala, Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay will be destroyed forever. This fact emerged on Thursday, 27 May at a public meeting with the people of Qala that the Mepa organised as part of the permit process. I don’t agree at all with the proposed project for several reasons. The marina is not what I call sustainable development. Is it sustainable development when diesel from yachts contaminates the sea? Or are we going to invent a filter to separate the seawater from the diesel? It has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that the yacht marina is built away from the swimming area. Why? The sea will be contaminated with diesel because the sea carries everything everywhere! Then who will compensate those individuals who fall ill with cancer in such cases? A clear example is the shore nearby known as “Iz-Zewwieqa”. Is it still safe to swim there? Of course not!

If we are really proud of the “eco-Gozo” project, Mepa should show that it has started working in favour of the environment in Gozo, which it is not doing with regard to Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay! The proposed project will not improve our environmental situation. The decisions that are being taken are only short term because we need work; what should be considered is long term, what is best for the environment

With regard to the traffic issue, if one calculates an average of two cars for every residence (villas / apartments) and one car for each room that the tourists occupy in the five-star hotel mentioned, traffic will increase by 731, besides those who visit the proposed restaurant and make use of other amenities. This means that a large number of cars will pass through certain streets in the village, increasing pollution to the detriment of the residents, who would also be prone to suffer from diseases such as cancer and asthma.

We already have a problem with traffic on the roads leading to the square and the Mgarr Road every morning and afternoon and this project will cause even more problems. Does Mepa know that on 1 January two incidents at the Mgarr Road happened in the same place?

We want only sustainable development and not unbridled development!

They also spoke about the hundreds of jobs this project will generate. What about the hotels Mgarr, Andar and Atlantis that were changed into apartments? This is what we call job creation and improvements in Gozo economy? There is also the Kempinski Hotel in San Lawrenz where half of it was changed into apartments. The Gozitans were promised employment there and then what happened? Jobs were given to foreigners! Then there is the famous project of Fort Chambray. Can someone give the number of Gozitans working here? Of course not because the project failed! We still haven’t learnt our lesson it seems, as now it appears that we are getting rid of more of our natural environment. Can Mepa say that it’s working in favour of the environment with regard to this project?

Astrid Vella mentioned several reports about the impact on the environment and none of them mentioned that Hondoq is one of the best places for a yacht marina. Hondoq is in an ODZ, meaning that this part of Hondoq cannot be developed.

Do you know how many species of insects and nature will face extinction? And what about marine life? How many types of fish and other species will be affected by diesel? Even archaeological objects in the sea will be seriously affected. This was clearly mentioned by one of the Mepa directors during the TV programme Ghawdex Illum on Saturday, 29 May. Is this what we call sustainable development? Is this what we call “eco-Gozo” that Mepa introduces and which now wants to approve projects like this? It’s a shame!

Do you want our children and grandchildren to complain about the destruction of Hondoq? Are you the ones who care for the beauty of our environment? Are you being a shining example for our children who will be making similar decisions in a few years’ time?

Of course not! So beware of the decision you are taking because today’s decision is tomorrow’s condemnation and if Hondoq is destroyed, it cannot be rehabilitated!

We are in favour of transforming the quarry into a National Park but not of the proposed project! This is just a monster out of place!

We people of Qala are proud of having a beach like this. Let’s save it! Come on people of Qala don’t give up in front of those who want to get rid of Hondoq! Let peace reign between each one of us as it always has, and stand united to save our natural environment. Hondoq, we people of Qala and all those who are against the project, are here to protect you till the end!

Stick to what you said from the very beginning: No to the Qala Creek project and yes to the salvation of Hondoq!