Ħondoq campaigners applaud Transport Malta’s finding of ‘shortcomings’

Published on the Malta Independent on Monday 18th September, 2011.

Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq – together with the Qala local council, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Ramblers Association, Nature Trust, Din l-Art Ħelwa, FOE Malta, Wirt Għawdex, Greenhouse Malta, Għaqda Università Għawdxin and Youth for the Environment − have welcomed this week’s recommendation by Transport Malta that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority refuses the contentious Qala Creek project.

Transport Malta (TM) has recommended that Mepa should refuse the proposed alternative traffic route to service the construction of a yacht marina, hotel and 250 flats and villas at Ħondoq ir-Rummien. Common sense has prevailed.

The NGOs said, in a statement, “It is indeed heartening to note that just as the Environment Directorate found the EIA biased in favour of the project, Transport Malta also concluded that there are serious shortcomings in the Traffic Impact Statement.

“Firstly, the traffic count was flawed by way of the location where it was carried out, far out of the Qala village core when, in reality, the project will generate unacceptable additional traffic in the centre of Qala.

“Secondly, the proposed traffic scheme for the project was not adequate. This is obvious considering that the objective of TM is ‘to provide an effective regulatory framework for land transport with road safety as a top priority, while at the same time promoting socio-economic development and protection of the environment’.”

The NGOs said they found it hard to believe that the Mepa Board would ignore the authorities’ expert advice, which have both recommended a refusal of this project.

The NGOs thanked the encouraging numbers that have been supporting the Hondoq cause and who signed the petition.

The petition can be signed at http://raxerri.com/soshondoq/.