Ħondoq ‘a safe haven’

Published on the Times of Malta on Wednesday, 29th September,2010.

Ħondoq Bay in Gozo was yesterday described as a haven for safe swimming conditions even when other bays were exposed to dangerous winds, waves and currents, one of the reasons why it is so popular with bathers and beginner divers.

All this would change if the Qala Creek hotel and marina project at the bay were to get the green light from the Planning Authority, Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq said.

The movement pointed out that eight swimmers had to be rescued in high seas in the past two weeks alone but there had never been any reports of swimmers encountering difficulties at Ħondoq.

The movement also said boat traffic generated by the marina would inevitably create pollution, as had happened in other bays, ruining the quality of the area’s clear waters.

In addition, the hotel’s residents along with the 250 proposed residential units would overcrowd the beach, leaving swimmers with no choice but to opt for more dangerous bays, even in bad weather.

To view the comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100929/local/hondoq-a-safe-haven