Anti-Hondoq project group says Qala marina would put swimmers’ lives in danger

Published on MaltaToday.

Moviment Harsien Hondoq has claimed that swimmers are never reported as encountering difficulties in Hondoq ir-Rummien, due to its sheltered position, which ensures safe swimming conditions even when other bays are exposed to dangerous winds, waves and currents.

“Once again several swimmers– eight over the last two weeks – had to be rescued due to high seas. Fortunately no lives were lost due to the prompt action of courageous rescuers.”

The movement said Hondoq’s sheltered seas were one of the reasons why Hondoq is so popular with both swimmers and divers as it even offers excellent conditions for beginner divers.

“This is all set to change if the Qala Creek hotel and marina project gets the green light from MEPA. The boat traffic generated by a marina would inevitably create pollution, as has happened in other bays, ruining the quality of the area’s clear waters. This, as well as overcrowding from residents of the hotel and the 250 residential units to be created, would overcrowd the beach, leading swimmers to opt for other, more dangerous bays, even in bad weather.”