Ħondoq decision welcomed

Environment groups and the Qala local council yesterday welcomed the environment unit’s thumbs down to the “objectionable” €120 million tourist complex proposed for Ħondoq ir-Rummien in Gozo.

Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar and Ramblers Association called upon the planning authority board to refuse the application for the huge tourist and residential complex, which would establish a marina in the pristine bay.

Filed in 2002, the project includes a five-star hotel, 285 flats and villas, 731 underground parking spaces, 10 shops, five restaurants and a marina with 150 berths.

In a 45-page report carrying its recommendations to the board, the authority’s Environment Protection Directorate slammed the project, saying it should be refused because there was no overriding public interest or justification for it.

The environment groups agreed with the report’s conclusions, saying they echoed their stand that the area should be turned into a national park to be enjoyed by all.

The groups said they were “seriously concerned” about the impacts of the project should it go ahead, especially vehicle emissions. According to an Environment Impact Assessment submitted by the applicants, during an 18-month excavation period, heavy traffic would amount to one truckload every four minutes and, when built, the complex would generate some 2,000 vehicles daily.

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