Hondoq development might lead to more drowning – Moviment Harsien Hondoq

Published on the Malta Independent on Sunday 26th September, 2010.

The Qala Creek Hotel and Marina development would hinder swimmers and divers from enjoying the sheltered waters of Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay that make it so popular with Gozitans and visitors alike, said Moviment Harsien Hondoq in a statment.

MHH pointed out that eight swimmers had to be rescued due to the high seas in Gozo over the past two weeks. Luckily, no lives had been lost, thanks to the quick action of Red Cross volunteers.

Hondoq’s sheltered position ensures safe swiming conditions when the other Gozitan bays, namely Marsalforn and Ramla Bay in the northern part of the island, are exposed to dangerous winds, high waves and sea currents. This makes Hondoq ir-Rummien so popular with bathers and especially with learner divers.

But all this is set to change if the hotel and marina project gets the green light from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. The marina development would inevitably generate boat traffic, which in turn would generate pollution, ruining the beauty of the area’s clear waters and discouraging bathers from swimming there.

MHH also mentioned that the site is earmarked for a hotel and 250 residential units, thus creating overcrowding in the area. This factor would also discourage locals from using the bay and encourage them to swim in more dangerous bays, despite the bad weather.

“Are we ready to accept more deaths by drowning, just to accommodate speculation? Is this really what the authorities want?” the MHH asked.