SOS Hondoq News

Ħondoq ir-Rummien developers file appeal

2012-01-13T18:05:00.001+01:00

Published on The Times of Malta on Monday 9th January, 2012 by Juan Ameen.

Ħondoq from the air. Photo: David Schembri

Developers of the €120 million Ħondoq ir-Rummien project in Gozo have filed an appeal after the planning authority refused to accept fresh plans that eliminate the marina and replace it with a swimming lagoon.

Two months ago, the planning authority informed the developers that the new plans had to be submitted in a new and separate application because they went beyond the site area listed in the current application.

The highly controversial project has been slammed by environmental groups and by the planning authority’s environment unit that had described it as “objectionable” while calling on the authority’s board to refuse it.

The proposal is to build a five-star hotel, 285 flats and villas, 731 underground parking spaces, 10 shops, five restaurants and a 150-boat marina.

A spokesman for the planning authority said the developers have filed an appeal as well as a proposal application to build a swimming lagoon.

However, Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq claimed this was merely a delaying tactic. “For the past nine and a half years since the application was submitted, Mepa spent most of the time waiting for the developers to submit information,” the movement said.

With a recommendation for refusal from the environment unit and Transport Malta, the next and last step in the process was the development planning report before the application appeared before the board, the movement said.

“Why was a new plan filed just before the planning report was about to be finalised?” the movement asked. “Everyone knows that, if they ever get the permit, nobody can stop them from applying to sanction which means changing it back to a yacht marina,” it pointed out.

The movement agreed with Mepa’s decision not to accept the latest application and hoped the board followed suit.

The environmental groups are calling for the Ħondoq area to be converted into a national park, run by the council, and rehabilitated into an open space for everyone as was originally in the area’s local plans.

Together with another six environmental groups, Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq set up an online petition, which has already attracted almost 4,000 signatures, urging the planning authority to turn down the project.

The petition can be found on: http://raxerri.com/soshondoq .

To view the comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120109/local/-ondoq-ir-Rummien-developers-file-appeal.401562

Qed nistennew deċiżjoni definita

2011-12-14T14:32:00.000+01:00

Parti minn artiklu ippubblikat fuq l-Orizzont.

Aħna l-Għawdxin aktar minn kulħadd iddejjaqna nistennew deċiżjoni finali
dwar il-proġett li ġie propost għall-bajja ta’ Ħondoq ir-Rummien. Spiċċajna
mingħand Kajfas għal għand Pilatu. Daqqa skuża u daqqa oħra u ż-żmien
dejjem għaddej, u l-iżviluppaturi għadhom jittamaw li jekk mhux mill-bieb
jgħaddu mit-tieqa.

Mingħand direttorat għall-ieħor, kumitati u rapporti kontra xulxin, u leħen
il-poplu Għawdxi u l-għaqdiet ambjentali jidher li mhux għoli biżżejjed biex
jinstema’ darba għal dejjem u jaslu għal deċiżjoni finali.

Dan l-aħħar dan il-proġett li ġie propost għal Ħondoq ir-Rummien reġa’
telgħa fl-aħbarijiet. Id-direttorat tal-Protezzjoni Ambjentali tal-MEPA
qal li dan il-permess għandu jiġi rrifjutat.Intqal li dan il-post għandu jibqa’
ħieles anke minn żvilupp żgħir.

U l-proġett mhux wieħed żgħir. Jinkludi lukanda, vilel, ħwienet, marina u ma
nafx kemm affarijiet oħrajn. Mela la issa għandna

l-ordni ta’ dan id-derettorat biex jiġi rrifjutat il-permess, hekk għandu jsir.

Ma jistax ikun li minn kull deċiżjoni nibqgħu nappellaw u nfettqu. Jekk is-serp ma
taqtalux rasu jibqa’ jferfer, jgħidu.Kien pass ’il quddiem li l-proġett tal-vilel li kien hemm
propost fl-inħawi tar-Ramla l-Ħamra ġie rrifjutat.
U hekk ukoll għandu jsir f’dan il-każ. Li storja tal-Ħondoq daret id-dinja.
Min ma kienx jaf b’din il-bajja sabiħa u popolari mal-familji żgur li żarha u sar jaf biha.

Li tiżviluppa l-bajja b’aktar ramel u xi attrazzjonijiet u bżonnijiet oħrajn, bħalma hu parkeġġ
adattat għandna ngħamluhom. Imma bis-saħħa ta’ dan m’għandniex nagħmlu dak li jridu
jagħmlu l-investituri.

Din mhix kwistjoni ta’ investiment. Mhix kwistjoni li mal-lukanda u l-vilel se jaħdmu l-Għawdxin.
Dawn skużi li jintużaw minn dawk li jkunu li jridu tgħaddi tagħhom.

Il-Ħondoq għandu jitħalla ħieles biex jitgawda kif qed isir, mhux biss mill-Qalin imma wkoll minn
ħafna Għawdxin, kif ukoll minn familji Maltin.Ħsara lill-ambjent Għawdxi saret u din mhix żgħira.

Wasal iż-żmien li kif bdejna nagħmlu fil-każ tar-Ramla l-Ħamra nagħmlu ma’ kull proġett simili
li jispiċċa biex ikompli jnaqqar mill-ambjent naturali ta’ Għawdex.

Naħsbu li meta l-korp tal-MEPA bħalma hu d-Direttorat tal-Protezzjoni Ambjentali jagħmel
rakkomandazzjoni wieħed għandu jagħti każ tar-rakkomandazzjoni tiegħu bis-serjetà.

Il-Qalin, għax fl-aħħar mill-aħħar jekk isir il-proġett huma se jbagħtu l-aktar il-konsegwenzi,
ma jistgħux jitħallew imdendlin b’qalbhom ittaqtaq li minn ġurnata għall-oħra tista’ titfaċċa
sitwazzjoni fejn jitilfu l-bajja tal-Ħondoq.

Żmien għadda biżżejjed. Ma nafux x’baqgħalu jinqala’ biex ikollna deċiżjoni finali. Il-MEPA
jekk trid issewwi xi ftit mill-ħsara ambjentali li saret f’Għawdex matul dawn l-aħħar snin
għandha tieħu deċiżjoni malajr, li tirrifjuta darba għal dejjem dan il-proġett li xejn m’huwa
wieħed popolari mal-Għawdxin u l-ambjentalisti.

Biex tara l-artiklu kollu, mur fuq http://www.orizzont.com.mt/oldarticles/article74730.html

Muted response to Ħondoq news

2011-11-22T09:44:00.001+01:00

Published on the Malta Independent on Sunday 20th November, 2011 by Jane Carr.

It is interesting how little media reaction was provoked by the NGOs’ news release concerning Ħondoq, which was widely published at the end of October. The news release, based on the developers’ own words from their EIS reports, stated that demand for five-star accommodation in Gozo is weak, and that the hotel would not be viable without the marina.

It has now been reported that the developers have to put in a new application for Ħondoq, since the new concept with the swimming lagoon has a larger footprint than the original application. It would be surprising if the proposed swimming lagoon were to be larger than that proposed for the marina, so one can only presume that even more apartments are being planned – despite the developers recognising increased room capacity as being a problem.

Maybe there was something in the comment entitled “Parking Spaces at Ħondoq” (ToM, 12 July 2010), which discussed the excessive parking provision in the old application, and said ‘perhaps the developers are already thinking ahead for an expansion in the number of accommodation units?’

A swimming lagoon will not bring in the income that a marina would have done, (and indeed seems superfluous when Ħondoq has one of the most beautiful bays on the island). Therefore, how is increasing the number of accommodation units in a weak market going to be more commercially viable? There will of course be the income from the quarried stone – which could actually be the main prize in this venture.

As Mepa says in its Mission Statement: “The environment encompasses all − nature, cultural and architectural heritage, towns and villages, the countryside, the seas and air. We believe that together we should carefully plan so that our heritage, this gem which we treasure, will not fade away’.

Mepa, please do not let Ħondoq, with its nature, cultural and architectural heritage, disappear under the weight of yet more unrequired and unwanted apartment blocks.

Response on Ħondoq

2011-11-22T09:40:00.001+01:00

Published on the Times of Malta on Tuesday, 15th November, 2011 by Jane Carr.

It is interesting how little media reaction was provoked by the NGOs’ news release concerning Ħondoq ir-Rummien, which was widely published at the end of October.

Now it has been reported that the developers have to put in a new application, since the new concept with the swimming lagoon has a larger footprint than the original application. It would be surprising if the proposed swimming lagoon were to be larger than that proposed for the marina, so one can only presume that even more apartments are being planned – despite the developers recognising increased room capacity as being a problem. Maybe there was something in the comment Parking Spaces At Ħondoq (July 12, 2010), which discussed the excessive parking provision in the old application and said that “perhaps the developers are already thinking ahead for an expansion in the number of accommodation units”.The news release, based on the developers’ own words from their EIS reports, stated that demand for five-star accommodation in Gozo is weak, and that the hotel would not be viable without the marina.

A swimming lagoon will not bring in the income which a marina would have done.

Therefore how is increasing the number of accommodation units in a weak market going to be more commercially viable? There will of course be the income from the quarried stone – which could actually be the main prize in this venture.

Mepa, please do not let Ħondoq, with its nature, cultural and architectural heritage, fade away under the weight of yet more unrequired and unwanted apartment blocks.

To view the comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111115/letters/Response-on-ondoq.393908

Waiting in vain for Hondoq

2011-11-09T21:09:00.001+01:00

Published on MaltaToday on Sunday 6th November, 2011 by James Debono.

Hondoq ir-Rummien project back on the table.

A decade has passed since Gozo Prestige applied to turn Hondoqir-Rummien into tourist village. Why has it taken MEPA so long to determine the fate of this controversial project?

10 years down the line, the Hondoq ir-Rummien project is back on the drawing board.

The project seemed destined for a refusal some time next year. In August, The Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s environmental arm – the Environment Protection Directorate – had already called on the authority to refuse the project.

MEPA’s Planning Directorate was just about to issue the final case officer report when the developers presented a set of new plans which retained the residential aspect of the project but dropped the yacht marina, replacing it with a swimming lagoon.

But the authority has told the Hondoq ir-Rummien developers that it would only consider the latest plans if a new application is presented.

This means that instead of delaying the processing of the present application further, MEPA chose to put an end to the present saga.

It is now up to the developer whether to commence a new saga instead of concluding the one initiated 10 years ago.

MEPA justifies asking the developers to present a new and separate application because the latest plans not only change the nature of the project but “cover a site area that goes beyond that of the current applications”.

This left MEPA no choice but to advise the applicants “that should they wish to proceed with the latest changes and have them processed by the Authority, this should be done through a new and separate application”.

If the developers do present a new application, MEPA will be spared from taking a decision on the project in the immediate future.

In the absence of an outright refusal, the project could survive to live for another day. But the major hurdle for the project was the change in political climate after 2008 when the government embarked on its eco-Gozo plans. Only a change in this climate will turn the clock back for theHondoq developers.

Changing goalposts

What is sure is that the political climate was favourable to the developers in 2006 when the government issued the local plan for Gozo.

In fact the draft for the Gozo local plan, issued for public consultation in 2002, made no reference to tourist development in Hondoq.

It limited itself to saying that MEPA would consider proposals from public agencies, to upgrade beach facilities at Hondoq ir-Rummien.

The envisaged development was limited to the rehabilitation of the quarry, the provision of basic beach amenities and unrestricted public access to the beach.

But the new Gozo local plan, approved in 2006, facilitated the approval of the project, referring to “tourism and marine related uses” and “sensitively designed, high quality and low density buildings that blend into the landscape”. Hondoq was also identified as the site of a “destination port” – a euphemism for a yacht marina.

In fact, the authors of a project developments statement presented immediately after the publication of the local plan refer to the delay between 2002 and 2006 as “four years of pro-active consultation” with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

Moreover while MEPA was consulting with the developer, no public consultation was conducted on the changes made in the local plan.

The developers make bold claims to make their development an environmentally friendly one. Through landscaping they promised to create the perception that the project is the “work of nature itself”. They also wanted to create the impression that the new village has “evolved organically over the last century”.

Clearly, back then the wind was in their sail, to the extent that even GozoMinister Giovanna Debono described the Hondoq project as beneficial toGozo.

Change in climate

But the goal posts changed after 2008. Facing an uphill election, the PNsuccessfully reinvented itself as an environmentally friendly party. Upon being re-elected, the Prime Minister even declared a zero tolerance stance towards ODZ development. For environmentalists, the Hondoq project became the litmus test for the seriousness of the government’s intentions.

Moreover, the project contrasted with the eco-Gozo vision.

In view of all this, a refusal of the Hondoq project would have legitimisedMEPA reform in the eyes of sceptics.

In a clear indication that the project was heading nowhere, Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco himself declared that “our environment is too small to afford to suffer any more mistakes than we have already committed in the past, sometimes even in the name of tourism and progress”.

On her part, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono now says that she would respect any decision by MEPA.

Neither can the developers remain hope in a more favourable political climate. While the government is no longer keen on the project, both theLabour Party and Alternattiva Demokratika are opposed to it.

Labour leader Joseph Muscat had already stated his opposition to the project in 2010. Contacted on Thursday and asked to comment on the latest plans presented by the developers, Labour’s spokesperson for planning Roderick Galdes confirmed that the party remains against the project.

Self-inflicted delays

In this unfavourable political scenario, developers seemed bent on deliberately delaying the process.

The first delay took place between the submission of the EIA in 2007, and its certification by MEPA in 2010.

A report issued by the Environment Protection Directorate blames theEIA coordinator for “the conspicuously lengthy period to reach a certifiable version of the EIS”.

The EPD attributes this delay to the “prolonged failure by the EIACoordinator to address the issues in terms of reference of the project markedly delaying the certification process”.

In April 2009, the EPD had to issue a final reminder, in which it threatened to stop considering the proposal if changes to the EIS were not presented in two months.

The first draft of the EIA, which included titles like ‘Yes to the Hondoq ir-Rummien Yacht Marina’ was blasted by the EPD for its poor quality, and its bias in favour of the proposal.

The EPD also refused to accept a number of reports in the study and requested resubmission by different qualified consultants.

The second delay occurred between certification and commencement of public consultation period.

The year-long delay was attributed to the applicant’s initial opposition to hold public consultation in Qala. The EPD insisted that the locality most affected by the development should host the public event. There was also resistance by owners of appropriate venues in Qala (namely the SalaParrokjali and Qala Primary School) to make their venues available for the public meeting. The council also asked for a six-month period during which it could review the EIS.

Avoiding past mistakes

What is sure is that nearly 10 years after the saga commenced, neither the people of Qala nor the developers have a definite answer on whether the project will take place or not.

The lengthy period taken to determine the Hondoq project mirrors that of the Ta’ Cenc and Verdala golf course developments.

This raises the question: shouldn’t developers be told from day one whether their projects are destined to failure or not?

The present MEPA reform includes a screening period, after which MEPAinforms the developer whether the development conforms to established policies or not.

Developers are now free to proceed even if MEPA advises them not to. But if this happens, nobody will blame MEPA for the subsequent delays.

Still, this does not solve the other problem – that of politicians changing the goal posts, by first actively encouraging ODZ developments only to change tack in the face of public opposition.

Ultimately, a degree of stability in our planning regime, anchored in sound planning policies, remains the best antidote against both unsustainable development and shifting political goal posts.

Timeline

June 2002: Gozo Prestige a company owned by Gozitan businessmen Victor Bajada presents application for the construction of a destination port comprising a 195 bedroom hotel, a yacht marina and a tourist village consisting of300 apartments, and a yacht marina set to accommodate 150 to 200 yachts

November 2002: Following a campaign spearheaded by parish priest Dun Karm Refalo, 85% of Qala residents reject project in referendumorganised by local council.

August 2006: Gozo Local Plan paves the way for project stating that: “the preferred use is to sensitively develop the area. Tourism and marine-related development may be considered by MEPA”. Hondoq ir-Rummienis identified as a destination port.

August 2006: Hondoq ir-Rummien project re-emerges from the closet as Project Development statement is presented by developers who describe delay as a “four years of pro-active consultation” with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

2007: Developers present EIA to MEPA. But MEPA repeatedly asks authors of EIA to change parts of study. The EIA was only certified in June 2009.

May 2010: EIA on Hondoq ir-Rummien project issued for public consultation.

June 2010: Speaking on the project, Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco says authorities cannot afford to repeat past mistakes.

August 2011: MEPA’s environment arm – the Environment Protection Department –calls on MEPA board to refuse development and blasts EIAas ‘biased’ and ‘irregular’.

October 2011: Developers present new plans dropping marina.

November 2011: MEPA tells developers that they have to present new application.

To view the comments, go to http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/2011/1108/waiting-in-vain-for-hondoq

MEPA asks Hondoq developers to submit new application

2011-11-05T14:52:00.001+01:00

Published on www.maltatoday.com on Wednesday ,2nd

November, 2011 by James Debono.

In what appears to be the final blow to the Hondoq ir-Rummienproject, its developers have been told that they will have to start from scratch by applying again for the original development.

In a major setback to developers of the Hondoq ir-Rummien yacht marina and residence, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has informed them they will have to present a new application, something which takes them back to the point they started 10 years ago.

Investors and developers of the €120 million Ħondoq ir-Rummien project in Gozo recently submitted new plans, scrapping the marina and replacing it with a swimming lagoon.

MEPA's Environment Protection Unit has already deemed the development “objectionable” and called for its refusal.

The latest plans still include massive residential development in the unused quarry including a 5-star hotel and 285 flats and villas.

A spokesperson for MEPA told MaltaToday that the authority has advised the Hondoq ir-Rummien developers that the latest submissions materially change and cover a site area that goes beyond that of the current applications PA3797/02 and PA3798/02.

The Authority has advised the applicant that should he wish to proceed with these proposed changes and have them processed by the Authority this should be done through a new and separate application.

To view the comments, go to http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/2011/1102/mepa-asks-hondoq-developers-to-submit-new-application

Back to drawing board

2011-11-05T14:49:00.002+01:00

Published on the Times of Malta on Wednesday, 2nd November, 2011.

The planning authority has rejected a request to amend the plans of the proposed €120 million tourist complex at Ħondoq ir-Rummien that would replace a yacht marina with a swimming lagoon.

The developers have been advised that this should be done through a new and separate planning application.

The proposals for the controversial complex were recently slammed by the authority’s environment unit as “objectionable” due to its potentially negative environmental impact.

A spokesman for the authority said it had advised the applicant that the latest submissions cover a site area that goes beyond that of the current applications.

To view the comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111102/local/Back-to-drawing-board.391841

Talba lill-MEPA biex tirrifjuta applikazzjoni ġdida għal ħondoq

2011-10-31T17:55:00.000+01:00

Pubblikata fuq t-Torca nhar l-Hadd 30 ta' Ottubru, 2011 minn Charmaine Craus.

Diversi għaqdiet ambjentali għamlu sejħa kollettiva lill-MEPA biex tirrifjuta applikaz-zjoni ġdida li saret mill-Qala Creek Developers biex Ħondoq ir-Rummien jinbidel fi ‘swimming lagoon’.

Wara l-oppożizzjoni qawwija kontra l-iżvilupp propost għal Ħondoq ir-Rummien, li kien jikkonsisti f’lukanda ta’ ħames stilel kif ukoll numru ta’ vilel u appartamenti madwar yacht marina, l-iżviluppaturi ta’ dan il-proġett ippre- żentaw pjanti ġodda li fihom ineħħu l-yacht marina u min-flokha jagħmlu ‘swimming lagoon’

.
L-għaqdiet Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, FOE, Malta Ramblers Association, NatureTrust, GUG, Din L-Art Ħelwa u Wirt Għawdex studjaw ir-rapport tal-‘environmental impact statement’ tal-2009 li fih l-iżviluppaturi stess jiddikjaraw li l-proġett ibati jekk ikun żviluppat f’lukanda waħedha.

L-iżviluppaturi jisħqu li huwa ta’ tħassib li jkollok kmamar żejda iktar mid-domanda u għalhekk biex lukanda jkollha suċċess trid tagħmel parti integrali minn proġett imdawwar bi bżon-nijiet bħal yacht marina, restoranti li jagħmluha differenti minn lukandi oħra. Fil-fatt, hemm miktub li l-lukanda tiddependi mid-domanda ġġe-nerata minn partijiet oħrajn tal-proġett.

Interessanti l-fatt li meta jiġi biex jiddiskuti d-dħul finanzjarju minn dan il-proġett, ir-rapport tal-2007 jgħid li l-lukanda waħedha mhijiex vijabbli, iżda biex tirnexxi trid tkun tifforma parti minn kumpless ikbar li jiġbed interess mir-residenti fil-lukanda. Mill-banda l-oħra, fir-rapport tat-2009, inbidel xi kliem iżda t-tifsira baqgħet l-istess. Fl-2009 l-iżviluppaturi nfushom ma qisux il-lukanda vijabbli mingħajr il-marina.

L-għaqdiet ambjentali qalu fi stqarrija li ma jistgħux jifhmu kif l-iżviluppaturi se jeliminaw il-marina u xorta jsostnu li l-kumpless jibqa’ sostenibbli finanzjarjament kif miktub fl-Environment Impact Assessment. Il-ħruġ ta’ pjanti ġodda juri biċ-ċar li l-iżviluppaturi għandhom f’moħħhom li jkomplu jagħfsu fuq dan ir-riskju kummerċjali mingħajr ma jagħtu kas tal-impatt soċjali li se jħalli dan il-proġett, minkejja l-fatt li kemm il-komunità tal-Qala kif ukoll il-pubbliku in ġenerali wrew bil-qawwa kollha li huma kontra dan il-proġett.

Għaldaqstant l-għaqdiet ambjentali talbu lill-MEPA biex tirrifjuta dan il-proġett u treġġgħu lura għall-pjan oriġinali ta’ park naturali.

MEPA urged to refuse Hondoq Hotel plans by environment NGOs

2011-10-31T17:34:00.001+01:00

PUBLISHED ON THE MALTA TODAY ON SUNDAY, 30TH OCTOBER, 2011

Environmental NGOs call on MEPA to refuse permits for development at Hondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo.

Environmental NGOs urge MEPA to refuse Qala Creek developers permission to go forward with plans to build unviable hotel which could negatively impact Gozo.

Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Ramblers Association, FOE Malta, Nature Trust, GUG, Din l-art helwa andWirtGhawdex urged the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to refuse permits for the project and to “revert the land to its original designation as a nature park”.

The environmental NGOs studied the 2009 EIS Coordinated Report where developers themselves stated that “the project would struggle if it had to be developed as a stand-alone hotel”.

Qala Creek developers responded to objections of a proposed marina atHondoq Bay by limiting plans to ‘swimming lagoon’.

The NGOs said that they could not understand how developers believed that removing the marina concept from the project and replacing it with a ‘swimming lagoon’ would be commercially viable, as required by the Environment Impact Assessment, when a stand-alone hotel had already been doubted.

The marina was the latest concept added to plans to give the hotel uniqueness allowing the hotel to “depend on demand generated by other parts of the project” and attract interest by potential patrons.

Developers said that the projected was expected to double the five-star room capacity in Gozo despite a weak demand for five-star hotel properties in Gozo.

In order for the increased room capacity to be successful, developers said that the hotel would need to be part of an integrated project with features differentiating it from other hotels.

The NGOs said that new plans submitted show that “developers are intent on pushing through this venture in complete disregard of the social and environmental impacts of the project, ignoring the fact that the local community and also general public opinion has expressed itself against the project”.

“The Qala Local Council has already looked into the various aspects of creating an environment and Heritage Park, a project that would attract much-needed tourists to Gozo, and support existing hotels and catering establishments,” the environmental NGOs said.

To view the comments, go tohttp://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/2011/1030/mepa-urged-to-refuse-hondoq-hotel-plans-by-environment-ngos

‘Controversial’ projects for Gozo?

2011-10-31T17:32:00.000+01:00

Published on the Times of Malta on Sunday, 30th October, 2011 by Alan Deidun.

Pulling wool over eyes

The fact that the proposer of the Qala Creek (Ħondoq ir-Rummien) project has abandoned the yacht marina concept and replaced it with a proposed swimming lagoon may seem, prima facie, a victory for the environmental movement.

But delving further into the matter, one realises that the move is symptomatic of a developer who has read the writing on the wall and has opted for confounding, delaying tactics.

The Qala Creek project proposals have in recent months been given the thumbs down by Mepa’s Environment Directorate, Transport Malta and the NGO Wirt Għawdex, among a long list of other detractors. In fact, the publication of the case officer’s report for the project was imminent and the odds were stacked against the developer.

So by popping such a fundamentally different proposal out of the hat, the developer is wasting the precious time of Mepa staff. The application was originally submitted some nine years ago.

With Ħondoq ir-Rummien’s excellent bathing water quality, the need for a swimming lagoon there is hardly urgent.

To view the whole article and the comments, go tohttp://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111030/environment/-Controversial-projects-for-Gozo-.391339

NGOs call on MEPA to refuse Qala Creek project after change of plans

2011-10-31T17:30:00.003+01:00

Published on the Malta Independent on Sunday 30th October, 2011.

As the developers who are proposing the highly controversial Qala Creek project, have axed their plans for one of the project’s main bones of contention, the yacht marina, in favour of a so-called swimming lagoon, a number of NGOs are now questioning the viability of the project that will not have what was meant to be one of its main cash cows.

Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Ramblers Association, Friends of the Earth Malta, Nature Trust, GUG, Din l-Art Helwa and Wirt Ghawdex are however contesting the new plans on the basis that the developer’s 2009 report had insisted on the yacht marina as, the report said, “The project would struggle if it had to be developed as a stand-alone hotel”.

As such, the NGOs have urged the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to refuse the project and “to revert the land to its original designation as a nature park”.

The Qala Local Council, they say, has already looked into the various aspects of creating an environment and heritage park, a project they insist would draw tourists to Gozo and at the same support the existing hotels and catering establishments.

The NGOs point out that while the disputed project is expected to double Gozo’s five-star room capacity, the fact of the matter, they say, is that current demand for five-star hotel properties in Gozo is weak.

“The developers stressed the point that increased room capacity (oversupply) is of major concern to the market, and to be successful the hotel needs to be part of an integrated project with features that differentiate it from other hotels, i.e. the marina, thus ‘the hotel will depend on demand generated by other parts of the project’,” the NGOs highlight.

But they also note that when discussing revenue projections, the report’s 2007 version states: “The hotel on its own is not commercially viable. It can only succeed and be sustainable if it forms part of a much larger complex which will attract interest by potential patrons to reside at the hotel. The marina development could act as such an attraction.”

But, they point out that, in the 2009 version the statement had been modified to: “The hotel will be successful and sustainable if it forms part of a much larger complex which will attract interest by potential patrons to reside at the hotel. The marina development could act as such an attraction.”

“The wording has changed, but the meaning has not,” the NGOs claim.

They say, “In 2009 the developers themselves did not consider the hotel as viable without the marina, therefore the NGOs fail to understand how the developers can now eliminate the marina and claim that the complex would remain financially viable, as required by the Environment Impact Assessment.

“This eleventh-hour submission of new plans shows that the developers are intent on pushing through this venture in complete disregard of the social and environmental impacts of the project, ignoring the fact that the local community and also general public opinion has expressed itself against the project.”

NGOs call on Mepa to refuse new Hondoq application

2011-10-31T17:28:00.000+01:00

Published on www.timesofmalta.com on Friday, 28th October, 2011.

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A number of environmental non-governmental organisations are calling on the planning authority to refuse an application by the Qala Creek developers for a swimming lagoon.

In a statement this evening, Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Ramblers Association, FOE Malta, Nature Trust, GUG, Din l-art Helwa and Wirt Ghawdex said that in the face of an overwhelming outcry against the proposed Hondoq project to develop a large hotel and hundreds of real estate units around a yacht marina, the developers of Qala Creek have decided to drop the idea of the marina at Hondoq Bay, limiting themselves to a 'swimming lagoon'.

However, in the 2009 EIS coordinated report the developers themselves stated "the project would struggle if it had to be developed as a stand-alone hotel".

They said that to be successful the hotel needed to be part of an integrated project with features that differentiated it from other hotels.

When discussing revenue projections, the 2007 version of the report stated: "The hotel on its own is not commercially viable. It can only succeed and be sustainable if it forms part of a much larger complex which will attract interest by potential patrons to reside at the hotel. The marina development could act as such an attraction."

In the 2009 version this was modified to: "The hotel will be successful and sustainable if it forms part of a much larger complex which will attract interest by potential patrons to reside at the hotel. The marina development could act as such an attraction."

The NGOs said they, therefore, failed to understand how the developers could now eliminate the marina and claim that the complex would remain financially viable, as required by the Environment Impact Assessment.

"This eleventh-hour submission of new plans shows that the developers are intent on pushing through this venture in complete disregard of the social and environmental impacts of the project, ignoring the fact that the local community and also general public opinion has expressed itself against the project.

"The environmental NGOs therefore urge MEPA to refuse such a project and to revert the land to its original designation as a nature park.

"The Qala Local Council has already looked into the various aspects of creating an environment and heritage park, a project that would draw much-needed tourists to Gozo, and support existing hotels and catering establishments."

A petition on the project can be found at:

http://raxerri.com/soshondoq/

To view the comments, go tohttp://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111028/local/ngos-call-on-mepa-to-refuse-new-hondoq-application.391184

Environmental NGOs urge MEPA to refuse Hondoq project

2011-10-31T17:26:00.001+01:00

Published on www.gozonews.com on Friday 28th October, 2011.

In a joint statement released this evening by eviromental NGO’ regarding the revised application put in for Hondoq, it said “in the face of an overwhelming outcry against the proposed Hondoq project to develop a large hotel and hundreds of real estate units around a yacht marina, the developers of Qala Creek have decided to drop the idea of the marina at Hondoq Bay, limiting themselves to a ‘swimming lagoon.”

The NGOs Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Ramblers Association, FOE Malta, Nature Trust, GUG, Din l-art helwa and Wirt Ghawdex have studied the 2009 EIS Co-ordinated Report where the developers themselves state “the project would struggle if it had to be developed as a stand-alone hotel.” They say that the “project is expected to double the 5-star room capacity in Gozo, despite the current demand for five-star hotel properties in Gozo being weak.”

The NGOs said that “the developers stressed the point that increased room capacity (oversupply) is of major concern to the market, and to be successful the hotel needs to be part of an integrated project with features that differentiate it from other hotels, i.e. the marina, thus the hotel will depend on demand generated by other parts of the project.”

“Interestingly,” the NGOs continued, “when discussing revenue projections, the NGO 2007 version of the report stated:” “The hotel on its own is not commercially viable. It can only succeed and be sustainable if it forms part of a much larger complex which will attract interest by potential patrons to reside at the hotel. The marina development could act as such an attraction.”

In the 2009 version, the NGOs said that this was modified to: “The hotel will be successful and sustainable if it forms part of a much larger complex which will attract interest by potential patrons to reside at the hotel. The marina development could act as such an attraction.”

“The wording has changed,”the NGOs continued “but the meaning has not. In 2009 the developers themselves did not consider the hotel was viable without the marina, therefore the NGOs fail to understand how the developers can now eliminate the marina and claim that the complex would remain financially viable, as required by the Environment Impact Assessment.”

The environmental NGOs said that they “therefore urge MEPA to refuse such a project and to revert the land to its original designation as a nature park. The Qala Local Council has already looked into the various aspects of creating an environment and heritage park, a project that would draw much-needed tourists to Gozo, and support existing hotels and catering establishments.”

The NGOs concluded by appealing for everyone to continue to show their support by signing their petition to let MEPA know what they think of this project.

The NGOs petition is available for signing by Clicking Here.

To view the comments, go tohttp://gozonews.com/20124/environmental-ngos-urge-mepa-to-refuse-hondoq-project/

Ħondoq project developers drop marina. . . and propose lagoon

2011-10-24T14:42:00.001+02:00

Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo. Photo: David Schembri

Developers of the €120 million Ħondoq ir-Rummien project in Gozo have submitted fresh plans, scrapping the marina and replacing it with a swimming lagoon.

The controversial project had raised the ire of environmental organisations and the planning authority’s environment unit had deemed the development “objectionable” and called for its refusal.

Inspired by the hanging garden effect of villages dotting the Italian Amalfi Coast, the proposal is for a five-star hotel, 285 flats and villas, 731 underground parking spaces, 10 shops, five restaurants and, until recently, a marina for 150 boats, all outside the development boundary.

A spokesman for the Malta Environment and Planning Authority explained that “the authority is evaluating whether the new submissions can be considered as part of the application being processed or whether these will have to be submitted as a new application”.

In any case, the new plans would still need to be screened as part of new procedures introduced at the beginning of this year when the planning authority was reformed, the spokesman said.

Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq, which has campaigned for years against the project, said the new plans were nothing but delaying tactics.

“Submitting a new application nine years after the first one was filed and just before the case officer report was about to be published is nothing more than tactics to lengthen the process,” the group said.

Removing the yacht marina in the new plans made it clearer “that this project is nothing more than pure real estate speculation” it added.

Environmental group Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar welcomed the removal of the marina from the plans, “ensuring that Ħondoq Bay remains clean and pollution-free”.

However, the health of the residents remained its primary concern. Qala already had the second highest rate of air pollution in Gozo and the project would generate 2,000 extra vehicle trips a day, trapping exhaust emissions in the narrow old village streets, the group said.

Instead, Ħondoq should be turned into a national park, run by the council, and rehabilitated into an open space for everyone to enjoy as was originally planned in the area’s local plans, FAA said.

Together with another five environmental groups, FAA and Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq are raising an online petition calling on the planning authority to turn down the project and convert it into a national park. Launched in August, the petition has so far attracted 3,000 signatures and can be found on http://raxerri.com/soshondoq .

To view the comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111024/local/-ondoq-project-developers-drop-marina-and-propose-lagoon.390469

It-trasport tan-nar minn ħondoq ir-Rummien

2011-10-24T11:39:00.001+02:00

Pubblikata fuq it-torca nhar l-Hadd 23 ta' Ottubru, 2011.

Nirreferi għall-ittra msem-mija ‘It-trasport tan-nar mill-Qala’ li kienet ippubblikata fit-TORĊA tas-16 ta’ Ottubru 2011 u naqbel ma’ min kiteb dik l-ittra li hija nkwetanti li n-nar ta’ Għawdex jinħatt kollu Ħondoq ir-Rummien u wara jgħaddi minn ġol-qalba tar-raħal. Jien flimkien ma’ bosta residenti Qalin ilha tinkwetana din is-sitwazzjoni.
Fil-fatt malli l-gvern, wara l-inċident tal-kamra tan-nar tal-Għarb, ħabbar li se joħloq kummissjoni biex jistħarrġu l-inċidenti tan-nar, jien ktibt personalment lill-kummissjoni bit-tħassib tiegħi u anke tajt xi suġ-ġerimenti biex jitnaqqsu kemm jista’ jkun il-perikli fejn jidħol it-trasport tal-logħob tan-nar.

L-ittra ktibtha fit-8 ta’ Set-tembru 2010 fejn issuġġerejt li kull raħal f’Għawdex li se jġib in-nar minn Malta għandujħottu fl-eqreb bajja ta’ dak ir-raħal eż: Żebbuġ – il-Qbajjar, Nadur – Daħlet Qorrot, Xew-kija – Mġarr ix-Xini, Għajnsie-lem – Ix-xatt l-Aħmar, Qala – Ħondoq ir-Rummien, eċċ. Issuġġerejt dan għax b’hekk ikun hemm inqas ġarr tan-nar fl-abitat u jonqos il-periklu lin-nies

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Issuġġerejt ukoll li hemm bżonn li ssir ‘barge’ li tkun apposta biex iġġorr in-nar fuqha, din tkun irmunkata wara lanċa ħalli jekk Alla-ħaresqatt tinqala’ xi ħaġa ttir il-‘barge’ u ma jweġġa’ ħadd. (Ilkoll niftakru x’kien ġara fil-każ tal-patrol boat). Ħaġa oħra li hemm bżonn issir hi li t-trakkijiet li jġorru n-nar ikunu trakkijiet speċjali li jkollhom molol li ta’ ġo fihom iħoss inqas skossi li jkun hemm fit-toroq. Din il-biċċa tat-trakkijiet tgħodd għat-trasport tan-nar li jsir f’Malta ukoll

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L-għada kont irċevejt riko-noxxenza tal-ittra tiegħi u li l-punti li qajjimt kienu se jkunu mgħoddja lill-bord tal-inkjesta.

Fl-ewwel laqgħa tal-kunsill li għamilna wara din l-ittra qajjimt dan it-tħassib tiegħi u tar-residenti u konna dde-ċidejna bħala kunsill biex issir pressjoni min-naħa tal-kunsill ukoll. Fil-fatt, kienet inkitbet ittra minn naħa tal-kunsill.

Minn dakinhar ’l hawn la jien u lanqas il-kunsill ma nafu x’ġara.

L-iżviluppatur ibiddel il-pjanti

2011-10-23T10:18:00.000+02:00

Pubblikat fuq l-Orizzont minn Victor Vella.

Il-proġett ta’ Ħondoq ir-Rummien

L-iżviluppaturi tal-proġett f’Ħondoq ir-Rummien fil-Qala Għawdex, iddeċidew li jirrevedu u jagħmlu tibdil fil-pjanti tal-proġett. Għalkemm mhux magħruf x’inhu l-għan għal dan it-tibdil fil-pjanti, kollox qed jindika li dan sar bil-għan li l-proġett ikun inqas kontroversjali f’għajnejn l-Awtorità għall-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar (MEPA). Jidher li l-Kunsill Lokali tal-Qala kien informat b’dan it-tibdil u dan iltaqa’ fl-aħħar jiem fejn iddiskuta dan il-fatt. Jidher li l-Kunsill Lokali kiteb lill-MEPA biex jintbagħtu l-pjanti tat-tibdil li sar.

Ftit tal-ġimgħat ilu, id-Direttorat tal-Protezzjoni għall-Ambjent fi ħdan il-MEPA rrakkomanda li l-proġett propost fil-Bajja ta’ Ħondoq ir-Rummien, għandu jiġi rrifjutat u ma jinħariġx il-permess għalih. Il-proġett jinkludi żvilupp sħiħ ta’ binjiet u vilel, kif ukoll jott marina.

Dwar dan il-proġett, seba’ għaqdiet ambjentali qegħdin jiċċirkolaw petizzjoni li fiha jesprimu l-apprezzament tagħhom li d-Direttorat irrakkomanda rifjut tal-applikazzjoni. L-għaqdiet huma Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Ramblers Association, Nature Trust, FOE Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, u Wirt Għawdex. Il-petizzjoni titlob li jiġi salvat il-post u li dan jibqa’ jitgawda mill-poplu Malti.

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

2011-09-21T16:50:00.000+02:00

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/.

Lejn era gdida: Hondoq ir-Rummien

2011-09-21T16:44:00.001+02:00

Pubblikata fuq l-Kulhadd nhar l-Hadd 17 ta' Settembru, 2011 minn Michael Carol Bartolo.

Dan l-ahhar fuq l-ahbarijiet u l-gazzetti lokali ergajna bdejna nisimghu dwar il-progett ta’ Hondoq ir-Rummien.

Huwa progett li jikkonsisti f’bini ta' lukanda ta' hames stilel b'110 kmamar u 285 appartamenti u vilel, zvilupp ta' yacht marina ghal 150 yacht, kappella, hames ristoranti, ghaxar hwienet u l-bini ta' parkegg ta' 731 post taht l-art.

Id-Direttorat tal-Harsien Ambjentali tal-MEPA, sostna li dan il-progett ghandu jigi rifjutat ghal diversi ragunijiet, fosthom li zvilupp bhal dan ser jeqred din il-bajja li hija l-unika bajja li ghadha fl-istat naturali taghha.

Meta ezamina l-Environmental Impact Assesment li sar mill-applikant stess, id-Direttorat sab li dan kien qieghed hafna favur l-izvilupp minghajr ma ikkunsidra sew l-impatt negattiv li dan jista’ jhalli fuq l-ambjent.

Fir-rapport issemma wkoll l-izvilupp ta’ triq ohra fil-periferija tar-rahal tal-Qala sabiex tissolva l-problema tat-traffiku li jinholoq fil-Qala permezz ta’ dan il-progett. Dwar l-izvilupp ta’ din it-triq li tghaddi minn qalb l-ghelieqi li jinsabu f’zona hadra, instab ukoll li din tista’ tohloq problemi ohra ‘l quddiem meta jkun hemm applikazzjonijiet ohra ghal zvilupp f’zoni agrikoli.

L-ghaqdiet ambjentali kollha sostnew li dan mhuwiex zvilupp sostenibbli.

Fir-rapport tieghu li hareg fil-11 ta’ Gunju, l-Perit Lino Bianco wara li ezamina r-rapport mahrug mill-EIA u l-EMDP jikkonkludi li dan il-progett ser ikisser l-identità li tant ilna nhaddnu b’ghozza l-Qalin.

Il-bajja ta’ Hondoq ir-Rummien tatna l-identità u hafna mill-Qalin li jmorru f’din il-bajja imorru ghax jiehdu pjacir iqattghu l-hin liberu taghhom, jittpaxxew b’din il-bajja pittoreska. Fl-istess waqt ifittxu l-identità taghhom f’dak kollu li sawwar lir-rahal tal-Qala u jaghmlu dak li hu llum.

X’jibqaghlu poplu meta jitnezza mill-identità tieghu? Din hija identità unika ghax kien propju Hondoq li ta l-identità lilna l-Qalin.

Anke l-pozizzjoni geografika ta’ din il-bajja u l-inhawi tal-madwar sawwru l-kultura u tradizzjonijiet spiritwali tar-rahal tal-Qala meta nafu li kien proprju mill-istess akwati ta’ din il-bajja li zmien ilu l-poplu ta’ Kemmuna kien jinqeda ghall-htigijiet spiritwali tieghu. Il-qerda ta’ din il-bajja ifisser il-qerda tal-kultura tar-rahal taghna.

Nitfghu harsitna fuq il-pajsagg li jiddomina l-bajja ta’ Hondoq fejn insibu hafna speci u kreaturi li jsebbhu l-ambjent tal-madwar. Dawn ser jinqerdu bil-progett. Bil-yacht marina ser jinqerdu hafna speci tal-bahar. Iz-zona li se tinzamm ghall-ghawm mhix ha tibqa' daqstant frekwentata wara li ssir il-jott marina, ghax kif gara fi bnadi ohra bhal l-port tal-Imgarr, u l-jott marina f’Marsalforn, inholoq inkonvenjent ghall-ghawwiema biex jghumu biz-zjut tad-dghajjes li jniggsu l-bahar. Fiz-Zewwieqa, min ha f’idejh l-Yactht Marina tal-Mgarr mhux ihalli nies jghumu hemm.

Kif jista’ dan il-progett ikun ta’ ‘attrazzjoni turistika’ ghal Ghawdex meta jekk ikun approvat dan il-progett, ser tinqered il-vera attrazzjoni turistika tal-bajja ta’ Hondoq ir-Rummien?

Inkunu qeghdin nonqsu verament lil poplu u generazjonijiet futuri jekk neqirdu din l-bajja. Ma jisthoqqilniex li nghidu li nhobbu l-ambjent ta’ madwarna jekk jigi approvat dan il-progett. Jekk insejhulu progett ambizzjuz kif isejjhulu dawk li huma favur, inkunu qed nikkontradixxu dak li ahna nishqu fuqu fil-vizjoni gdida ghal Ghawdex permezz tal-Progett Eko Ghawdex li tant niftahru bih.

Progett barra minn postu, monstru fil-lvant ta’ Ghawdex, pass iehor ghall-qerda sostanzjali tal-ambjent li tant ghandna ghal qalbna. Jekk verament irridu lil uliedna jkomplu jgawdu l-ambjent sabih li ghandna Ghawdex, ghandna nghidu le ghall-Progett Qala Creek u iva ghall-harsien nazzjonali ta’ Hondoq! Ahna irridu li l-area ta’ Hondoq ir-Rummien tigi trasformata f’Park Nazzjonali fejn nghaddu l-hin liberu taghna u li qed jitgawda bhalissa jibqa’ jitgawda mill-generazzjonijiet futuri.

Hekk biss il-progett ta’ Hondoq ikun zvilupp sostenibbli u kartolina ghal Ghawdex u attrazzjoni turistika mill-aqwa; kartolina li tkun xhieda tal-ambjent sabih li ghandna Ghawdex u li tigbed hafna ammiraturi u popli ohra biex jimxu fuq l-istess linji ta’ hsieb ghal gid komuni tal-pajjizi rispettivi.

Inheggek sabiex nkomplu niddefendu lil Hondoq ir-Rummien billi tidhol f’dan is-sit elettroniku http://raxerri.com/soshondoq/ u iffirma l-petizzjoni kontra dan il-progett mostruz.

Ahna l-Qalin ilkoll maghqudin, lill-Qala taghna inhobbuha u ma rridu lil hadd jirfes fiha u jaghmel li jrid.

Kuragg! Ejjew nkomplu nuru lil Malta u lil Ghawdex li ahna poplu li niddefendu lil Hondoq ir-Rummien u li ma rridux nitilfuh ghax din hija l-bajja ta’ kulhadd.

Eco-Gozo’s sustainable development

2011-09-20T18:25:00.002+02:00

Published on the Times of Malta on Tuesday 20th September, 2011 by Miriam Muscat.

I refer to the opinion piece The Eco-Gozo Concept Hype by Leo Brincat (September 16).

The arguments he puts forward indicate clearly that he is short of understanding what sustainable development really means. He insists that some (sic) of the projects listed under the Eco-Gozo initiative have nothing to do with it. This is indeed astonishing when he is meant to be his party’s spokesman on sustainable development – but shows he does not even know its basic definition. The Ministry for Gozo invites Mr Brincat to have a look at the many Eco-Gozo projects currently being implemented by the government, local councils and NGOs in Gozo and provide a list of those which – according to him – are not related to sustainable development.

With regard to the proposals for development at Ħondoq ir-Rummien, the Minister for Gozo reiterates her position that she will respect the outcome of the planning process and the ensuing decision taken by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority on the matter.

One must however note that Mr Brincat was himself a member of the Cabinet of a Prime Minister who very strongly advocated the development of a marina in this same place. What was his opinion then, and when did it change, if it has changed?

Contrary to what he alleged in his opinion piece, the Ministry for Gozo is not “holding back” the publication of any strategy on Eco-Gozo. The Action Plan outlining action on the implementation of Eco-Gozo has been in the public domain since November 2009. It is not “mere” proposed action but is the plan adopted by the government – currently being implemented - for the implementation of the Eco-Gozo vision in the years 2010-2012, following the public consultation process held in 2009. Failing to know such basic information does not augur well for the credibility of the Mr Brincat in commenting on the Ministry for Gozo’s work on Eco-Gozo, or in deciding which projects relate to it or not! To add insult to injury, he was also one of the members of Parliament who voted against the allocation of €25 million over three years for the implementation of this Eco-Gozo short-term action plan. Mr Brincat also seems to ignore the fact that the government has already committed itself to go back to the people to develop another action plan for the years following 2012.

There is absolutely no resistance from the Ministry for Gozo to the publication of a “300-page plus document” which Mr Brincat erroneously describes as a “full report on Eco-Gozo”, but which in effect is the result of the very extensive public consultation process held at the start of this legislature. The Ministry for Gozo reiterates once again that in due course, this full result of the public consultation exercise will be published – for its own merits and usefulness rather than as a yield to the “digging in” by the Mr Brincat.

Finally one notes that the real insult to one’s intelligence is not in informing the public on what government and civil society are doing to see that the promise of Eco-Gozo delivered, but in having the PL spokesman on sustainable development insistently trying to belittle what is in effect a bottom-up effort by Gozitan society to improve its environmental credentials and the quality of life on the island of Gozo.

To view the comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110920/letters/Eco-Gozo-s-sustainable-development.385528

TM kontra l-proġett ta’ Ħondoq ir-Rummien

2011-09-17T15:15:00.000+02:00

Pubblikata fuq l-Orizzont nhar s-Sibt 17 ta' Settembru, 2011.

Il-Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq laqa’ b’sodisfazzjon r-rakkomandazzjoni ta’ Transport Malta li l-Awtorità għall-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar (MEPA) għandha tirrifjuta r-rotta alternattiva biex tkun servuta l-applikazzjoni għall-bini ta’ jott marina, 250 appartament u vilel fil-bajja ta’ Ħondoq ir-Rummien. Il-moviment qal li għal darb’oħra s-sens komun rebaħ. Il-moviment qal li r-riċerka li saret fuq l-ammont ta’ traffiku li se jgħaddu saret f’post ħażin.
Id-deċiżjoni ta’ Transport Malta intlaqgħet b’sodisfazzjon ukoll mill-Kunsill Lokali tal-Qala, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, ir-Ramblers Association, Nature Trust, Din l-Art Ħelwa, FOE Malta, Wirt Għawdex, Greenhouse Malta, Għaqda Università Għawdxin u l-‘Youth for Environment’. Il-Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq irringrazzja lil dawk kollha li fl-aħħar jiem iffirmaw il-petizzjoni li qiegħda tinġabar.

Qed nistennew deċiżjoni definita

2011-09-17T15:05:00.002+02:00

Ippublikat fuq l-Orizzont nhar s-Sibt 17 ta' Settembru, 2011.

Aħna l-Għawdxin aktar minn kulħadd iddejjaqna nistennew deċiżjoni finali dwar il-proġett li ġie propost għall-bajja ta’ Ħondoq ir-Rummien. Spiċċajna mingħand Kajfas għal għand Pilatu. Daqqa skuża u daqqa oħra u ż-żmien dejjem għaddej, u l-iżviluppaturi għadhom jittamaw li jekk mhux mill-bieb jgħaddu mit-tieqa.
Mingħand direttorat għall-ieħor, kumitati u rapporti kontra xulxin, u leħen il-poplu Għawdxi u l-għaqdiet ambjentali jidher li mhux għoli biżżejjed biex jinstema’ darba għal dejjem u jaslu għal deċiżjoni finali.
Dan l-aħħar dan il-proġett li ġie propost għal Ħondoq ir-Rummien reġa’ telgħa fl-aħbarijiet. Id-direttorat tal-Protezzjoni Ambjentali tal-MEPA qal li dan il-permess għandu jiġi rrifjutat.Intqal li dan il-post għandu jibqa’ ħieles anke minn żvilupp żgħir.
U l-proġett mhux wieħed żgħir. Jinkludi lukanda, vilel, ħwienet, marina u ma nafx kemm affarijiet oħrajn. Mela la issa għandna l-ordni ta’ dan id-derettorat biex jiġi rrifjutat il-permess, hekk għandu jsir.
Ma jistax ikun li minn kull deċiżjoni nibqgħu nappellaw u nfettqu. Jekk is-serp ma taqtalux rasu jibqa’ jferfer, jgħidu.Kien pass ’il quddiem li l-proġett tal-vilel li kien hemm propost fl-inħawi tar-Ramla l-Ħamra ġie rrifjutat. U hekk ukoll għandu jsir f’dan il-każ.
Li storja tal-Ħondoq daret id-dinja. Min ma kienx jaf b’din il-bajja sabiħa u popolari mal-familji żgur li żarha u sar jaf biha.
Li tiżviluppa l-bajja b’aktar ramel u xi attrazzjonijiet u bżonnijiet oħrajn, bħalma hu parkeġġ adattat għandna ngħamluhom. Imma bis-saħħa ta’ dan m’għandniex nagħmlu dak li jridu jagħmlu l-investituri.
Din mhix kwistjoni ta’ investiment. Mhix kwistjoni li mal-lukanda u l-vilel se jaħdmu l-Għawdxin. Dawn skużi li jintużaw minn dawk li jkunu li jridu tgħaddi tagħhom.
Il-Ħondoq għandu jitħalla ħieles biex jitgawda kif qed isir, mhux biss mill-Qalin imma wkoll minn ħafna Għawdxin, kif ukoll minn familji Maltin.Ħsara lill-ambjent Għawdxi saret u din mhix żgħira.
Wasal iż-żmien li kif bdejna nagħmlu fil-każ tar-Ramla l-Ħamra nagħmlu ma’ kull proġett simili li jispiċċa biex ikompli jnaqqar mill-ambjent naturali ta’ Għawdex.
Naħsbu li meta l-korp tal-MEPA bħalma hu d-Direttorat tal-Protezzjoni Ambjentali jagħmel rakkomandazzjoni wieħed għandu jagħti każ tar-rakkomandazzjoni tiegħu bis-serjetà.
Il-Qalin, għax fl-aħħar mill-aħħar jekk isir il-proġett huma se jbagħtu l-aktar il-konsegwenzi, ma jistgħux jitħallew imdendlin b’qalbhom ittaqtaq li minn ġurnata għall-oħra tista’ titfaċċa sitwazzjoni fejn jitilfu l-bajja tal-Ħondoq.
Żmien għadda biżżejjed. Ma nafux x’baqgħalu jinqala’ biex ikollna deċiżjoni finali. Il-MEPA jekk trid issewwi xi ftit mill-ħsara ambjentali li saret f’Għawdex matul dawn l-aħħar snin għandha tieħu deċiżjoni malajr, li tirrifjuta darba għal dejjem dan il-proġett li xejn m’huwa wieħed popolari mal-Għawdxin u l-ambjentalisti.

Biex tara l-artiklu kollu, mur fuq http://www.orizzont.com.mt/FullArticle.php?ID1=%27Opinjoni%27&ID2=1889

NGOs welcome TM’s recommendation for refusal of Hondoq

2011-09-16T16:00:00.003+02:00

Published on www.gozonews.com on Friday, 16th September, 2011.

Moviment Harsien Hondoq together with Qala Local Council, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Ramblers Association, Nature Trust, Din L-Art Helwa, FOE Malta, Wirt Ghawdex, Greenhouse Malta, Ghaqda Universita Ghawdxin and Youth for the Environment, have said that they welcome Transport Malta’s recent recommendation that MEPA should refuse the proposed alternative route to service the application for the building of a yacht marina, hotel and 250 flats and villas at Hondoq ir-Rummien.

Common sense has prevailed, the eNGOs said, adding that “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: 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, whilst at the same time promoting socio-economic development and protection of the environment.”

Moviment Harsien Hondoq and the eNGOs said that they find it extremely hard to imagine that the MEPA Board would ignore the expert advice of these two authorities, who are specialists in their respective fields, and both of whom have recommended a refusal of this project.

The NGOs concluded by saying that they wished to thank the encouraging numbers who have been supporting the Hondoq cause and also signing the Save Hondoq petition. They asked that those who have not yet signed it, to please do so without delay to help to save Gozo’s natural environment. at http://raxerri.com/soshondoq/.

To view the comments, go to http://gozonews.com/19373/ngos-welcome-tms-recommendation-for-refusal-of-hondoq/

NGO's welcome TM's recommentation on Hondoq

2011-09-16T15:50:00.002+02:00

Published on www.timesofmalta.com on Friday, 16th September, 2011.

Transport Malta's recent recommendation to the planning authority to refuse the proposed alternative route to service the application for the building of a yacht marina, hotel and 250 flats and villas at Hondoq ir-Rummien has been welcomed by a number of environmental organisations.

The organisations - Moviment Harsien Hondoq, the Qala Council, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Ramblers, Nature Trust, Din L-Art Helwa, Friends of the Earth, Wirt Ghawdex, Greenhouse Malta, Ghaqda Universita Ghawdxin and Youth for the Environment, said in a statement that common sense had finally prevailed.

"It is indeed heartening to note that just as the Environment Directorate found the EIA biased in favour of the project, TM also concluded that there are serious shortcomings in the Traffic Impact Statement," it said.

The organisations said that 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 would generate unacceptable additional traffic in the centre of Qala.

T proposed traffic scheme was also inadequate.

The NGOs invited those who had not yet signed a petition to save Hondoq to do so at:http://raxerri.com/soshondoq/ .

To view the comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110916/local/ngo-s.384973

The Eco-Gozo concept hype

2011-09-15T11:49:00.002+02:00

Published on The Times of Malta on Wednesday, 14th September, 2011 by Leo Brincat.

There are two very strong indicators that confirm why many have every reason to consider the otherwise praiseworthy Eco-Gozo concept as mere hype.

We need to have a detailed action plan…

- Leo Brincat

How can one really believe that the Minister for Gozo has been and is strongly committed to the project when she and her minions have openly supported the Ħondoq ir-Rummien project as originally proposed? In doing so they were supporting something tantamount to environmental rape.

On the other hand, a quick look at some of the “projects” listed under the Eco Gozo project – ICT, tourism, financial services, culture etc. – will show that, in order to minimise any potentially strong effect on the environmental sector, there was deliberate recourse to side issues.

Equally baffling is the insistence and persistence of the Minister for Gozo to hold back from publishing the full 300-page plus document that is in the hands of its permanent secretary, reportedly with specific instructions to keep it under wraps.

Could it be that, if published, the full and detailed report would send shivers down the spine of some of the key government-leaning contracting firms that thrived under this Administration in Gozo in a near monopolistic manner?

What was the true reason why a former Nationalist MEP candidate stuck his neck out so much in full support of the original Ħondoq project? Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono recently stated that she will respect any board decision by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority on Ħondoq. But in order to feel reassured we must first figure out how the Mepa board will ultimately decide on the project. Every single Mepa board member should be held personally responsible for the way s/he shall exercise his/her vote on the Ħondoq project.

The minister continues to refer us to an Eco-Gozo action plan “online”. This is nothing but a mere “proposed” action plan meant to take us from 2010 to 2012. Merely stating that “Gozo will become an eco-island by 2020, supported by a keen and committed sustainable community” is far from enough.

We need to have a detailed action plan, possibly based on the recommendations and conclusions of the as yet unpublished full report on Eco-Gozo that, from what I have been told by environmental experts, drew on the expertise of many specialists in the field when being compiled.

While committing itself to turn Gozo into an eco-island by 2020, the government also stated that this was one of the declared objectives for the island, one of the seven strategic targets set for the country in the “ambitious” (sic) Vision 2015 For The Maltese Islands.

A mere look at how basic environmental considerations have been flagrantly ignored and abused in Gozo, with certain high officials’ apparently tacit and not so tacit consent, makes a mockery of the Prime Minister’s declaration that the government “will transform Gozo into an ecological island, a model of sustainable development”.

Interestingly, although the full Eco-Gozo technical report continues to gather dust, reportedly in the Gozo Ministry’s own confines, the ministry had committed itself in November 2009 to the “pledge” that the Eco-Gozo vision document would be published shortly (a commitment made almost two years ago!). This it had done in a proposed action plan that runs out next year and which is only 29 pages long!

It would be interesting to know what the ministry really has in mind regarding renewable energy in a holistic and comprehensive manner rather than via piecemeal one-off proposals.

Does the ministry have any position on the proposal that Edward A. Mallia has been long floating of a wind farm rather close to Gozo?

Does Gozo really and truly have an ecological master plan to become entirely energy sustainable? If in the affirmative, can this be published with immediate effect?

The government’s feeble excuse that it is already implementing most of the recommendations without having chosen to publish the full report in question is mind-boggling, to say the least. While I am not one of those who tend to adopt a fundamentalist approach towards development so long as it is truly sustainable – way beyond mere lip service – I think that, particularly in the case of Gozo, full transparency regarding any projects underway and under consideration is imperative.

What really angers me is the fact that at the same time that government spin doctors are constantly trying to ram the Eco-Gozo concept down our throats, some of the worst environmental crimes have been and are still being perpetrated in the so called eco-island.

When I recently tried to track in Parliament how and on what projects were the Eco-Gozo allocated funds being spent, I was given this curt and bland reply by Mrs Debono: “I have been informed that about €6 million have been allocated by the government for the financial year 2011 for Eco-Gozo projects. This ‘fund’ is being used to ‘continue’ work on projects and initiatives started earlier on and to carry out various initiatives, work on which commenced this year.”

The reply was given last July 12, just a few days before Parliament rose for the summer recess.

I will no doubt keep on digging further until truth will prevail.

Colourful, full-page ads in the media, whereby the ministry boasts that “In just two years we have done so much… and this is only a fraction of what we’re doing” are rich indeed and an insult to one’s intelligence.

To view the comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110914/opinion/The-Eco-Gozo-concept-hype.384639

Petition to ‘save Ħondoq’

2011-09-11T15:19:00.000+02:00

Published on the Malta Independent on the 21st August, 2011.

Ħondoq ir-Rummien campaigners have set up a petition at raxerri.com/soshondoq to convince the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s board to uphold the decision of its Environment Protection Directorate and refuse to grant the permit for the development of Ħondoq ir-Rummien.

Long-time Ħondoq campaigner Paul Buttigieg comments, “I am very pleased to be part of a team of NGOs who all believe in the same cause, that is, Ħondoq ir-Rummien should be saved from speculation and remain in its natural state for all to enjoy.

“The authorities need to understand that Hondoq is not just a beach as it also plays an important role in many people’s lives especially where the social aspect is concerned.

“The people of Malta and Gozo as well as foreign visitors have already shown in the past that Ħondoq is important for them after Mepa received a record number of objections against the proposed project.

“This record was only broken when the St John’s Cathedral application was lodged.”

Eco-Gozo stands or falls at Ħondoq ir-Rummien

2011-09-05T11:06:00.002+02:00

Published on The Malta Independent on Sunday 4th September, 2011 by James A. Tyrrell.

Not so long ago, Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono declared her support for the marina, villas, apartments and a hotel project at Ħondoq. Now that Mepa’s Environmental Directorate has voted against the idea of a marina, villas and so on, she seems to have changed her mind and is now against the idea. My question therefore is, will the minister be using her position to bring pressure to bear in order to reinstate the local plan for Ħondoq that was changed behind the local council’s back, to the original plan as it was before 2006?

To come to the right decision on this matter, she really needs to refer to the EIS and decide whether or not a marina, villas, apartments and a hotel will fit in with the proposed and much talked about Eco-Gozo plan. The area, as it stands at present, is one of the safest and cleanest for bathing in Gozo. Any form of major construction in the area would totally destroy that and it has been estimated that during the excavation period alone, which would last approximately 18 months (who knows how long it will actually take), there would be one truckload passing through Qala every four minutes!

If the Ministry for Gozo and the Maltese government are truly serious about standing behind this Eco-Gozo proposal then Ħondoq ir-Rummien is where they have to dig their heels in and say enough is enough. The time has come to put environment ahead of profit. The time has come to put the little guy ahead of the millionaire developer. The time has come to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk.

Ħondoq project and the Eco-Gozo plan

2011-08-31T18:05:00.002+02:00

Published on The Times of Malta on Tuesday 30th August, 2011 by James A. Tyrrell.

Not so long ago, Giovanna Debono, the Gozo Minister, declared her support for the marina villas, apartments and a hotel project at Ħondoq. Now that the planning authority’s Environmental Directorate has voted against the idea, she seems to have changed her mind and is now against.

My question therefore is, will the minister be using her position to bring pressure to bear in order to reinstate the local plan for Ħondoq that was changed behind the local council’s back, to the original plan as it was before 2006?

To come to the right decision on this matter she really needs to refer to the environment impact statement and decide whether or not marina villas, apartments and a hotel will fit in with the proposed and much talked about Eco-Gozo plan. The area as it stands at present is one of the safest and cleanest for bathing in Gozo. Any form of major construction in the area would totally destroy that and it has been estimated that during the excavation period alone, which would last approximately 18 months (who knows how long it will actually take) there would be one truckload passing through Qala every four minutes!

If the Ministry for Gozo and the Maltese government are truly serious about standing behind this Eco-Gozo proposal, then Ħondoq ir-Rummien is where they have to dig their heels in and say enough is enough. The time has come to put environment ahead of profit. The time has come to put the little guy ahead of the millionaire developer. The time has come to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk.

To view the comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110830/letters/-ondoq-project-and-the-Eco-Gozo-plan.382484

Put environment ahead of profit at Hondoq

2011-08-31T17:53:00.001+02:00

Published on www.gozonews.com on Sunday 28th August, 2011 by James A. Tyrrell.

Not so long ago the Gozo Minister declared her support for the marina villas, apartments and a hotel project at Hondoq. Now that MEPA’s Environmental Directorate has voted against the idea of a marina ,Villas etc she seems to have changed her mind and is now against the idea. My question therefore is, will the Minister be using her position to bring pressure to bear in order to reinstate the local plan for Hondoq that was changed behind the local council’s back, to the original plan as it was before 2006?

To come to the right decision on this matter she really needs to refer to the EIS and decide whether or not a marina villas, apartments and a hotel will fit in with the proposed and much talked about Eco-Gozo plan. The area as it stands at present is one of the safest and cleanest for bathing in Gozo. Any form of major construction in the area would totally destroy that and it has been estimated that during the excavation period alone which would last approximately 18 months( who knows how long it will actually take) there would be one truckload passing through Qala every 4 minutes!

If the Ministry for Gozo and the Maltese Government are truly serious about standing behind this Eco-Gozo proposal then Hondoq ir-Rummien is where they have to dig their heels in and say enough is enough. The time has come to put environment ahead of profit. The time has come to put the little guy ahead of the millionaire developer. The time has come to stop talking the talk and start walking the walk.

To view the comments, go to http://gozonews.com/19098/put-environment-ahead-of-profit-at-hondoq-readers-letter/

It’s not trust in Mepa that’s at stake by Simone Mizzi

2011-08-24T16:30:00.000+02:00

There seemed to be a glimmer of light for the environment coming through from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority recently with decisions that protected our natural and built heritage. This eman-ated from the rigour applied by the Environmental Planning Directorate in its outright dismissal of the Ħondoq ir-Rummien applic-ation and with the reprieve of Manikata’s iconic church, saved by the bell from meddlesome intrusion by a well-merited Grade 1 status.

This flash of hope soon flickered at the dubious interpretation of farmland policies with the location of the Magħtab cattle farm close to residences and by the transferring of a petrol station in Mġarr onto virgin land in an oversized move that rides on the back of health and hazard regulations and old outline permits.

The approval of both, coming so soon after those for Ħondoq and Manikata, may indicate that, following its reform, Mepa’s environmental sensitivity is applied to projects that are in the public eye and not to those micro-developments that keep the environment-al deficit permanently in the negative.

In the case of the Magħtab cattle farm, allocating existing disused farmland would have distanced the residential community from health and nuisance hazards. Doubling the size of Mġarr’s petrol station on arable land outside Żebbiegħ implies that concerns for the Mġarr community were not really those at stake when a slim majority of a six-to-four vote approved the move.

However, it is another positive move that in new planning processes, outline permits have been removed so that errors made by former authorities cannot be perpetrated by the present.

With some large-scale projects still in the balance, Mistra’s gigantic ridge development and Ħondoq ir-Rummien’s marina complex, it is not only Mepa’s reputation only that is at stake but two major areas that affect our islands’ credibility and attractiveness, for ourselves and for the visitor.

We expect Mepa to stand firmly behind its directorate’s decision on Ħondoq when passing final judgment on this large tract of Gozo’s coast and to grant it immediate ODZ protection. If this dismissal were to be reversed, any growing trust in Mepa would soon dissipate, and with it Ħondoq’s natural state. Pressures from potential tourist development will otherwise remain, allowing planning applications to be altered continuously until they find acceptance.

Indignant statements by deve-lopers have accompanied the 40 per cent reduction in building applications. And why should this not be? Can we expect to continue building in height, breadth and depth at the current rate, mostly unneeded sub-zero-quality construction to oil the economy or seeking justification because “old housing is unsuitable for today’s living standards”?

An economy that depends on the building trade is a weak eco-nomy and needs to diversify by building – not on its landscape but on its strengths. These are unquestionably tied to our cultural and natural assets and, thankfully, much is being saved through rethinking or restoration.

The drop in applications is good news for what is left of our “good” cultural landscape. There is tre-mendous work ahead for our construction industry to regenerate the quality of that free-for-all building binge of the last 30 years. Even where regulated this is still being executed without thorough care for our cultural landscape, two words that define our built and natural legacy marked by centuries of human activity.

We do look to Mepa to apply micro-management of our landscape to prevent us losing the unique panoramas that give our island life its quality. Vistas over open spaces to the horizon or countryside continue to vanish daily. The spectacular view from Madliena out to sea is now lost to new glamorous villas on their prominent edge, the bypass corner vista to St Paul’s Island blocked by dishonourable high construction and an ill-advised row of trees. Mellieħa’s central sea view is marred by the Seabank extension while rings of high-rise bury traditional townscapes, obliterating the vision of our baroque churches, so uniquely typical of Malta.

Even that one vista we hold most dear is being corroded. The skyline of Valletta entering Grand Harbour at sunset shows only too clearly numerous penthouses with shiny glass windows that are taking their toll.

Malta has yet to ratify and implement the European Landscape Convention. To do so may mean we have to protect the good, the bad and the ugly. All are legacy of centuries of human activity. Carving out the bad from the good is a conundrum for our planners and we hope the new structure plan can offer solutions.

While outline permits are perhaps still under scrutiny, we look to Mepa to chalk up more positive points in favour of the environment by reversing Mistra. We are still in time to preserve Ħondoq. It is the environment that is at stake, not Mepa’s reputation. Only the former is ours to keep.

The author is executive president of Din l-Art Ħelwa

To view the comments go to

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110820/opinion/It-s-not-trust-in-Mepa-that-s-at-stake.381012

Environment NGOs petition to keep Hondoq for all to enjoy

2011-08-24T16:29:00.000+02:00

Moviment Harsien Hondoq, together with Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Ramblers Association, NatureTrust, FOE Malta, Din L-Art Helwa and Wirt Ghawdex are appealing for support to help persuade MEPA to permanently refuse the permit for the Hondoq project.

MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate’s recommendation against the development of a real estate/marina complex at Hondoq ir-Rummien was widely welcomed by all those who have been fighting against this proposal for the last 9 years. However, the NGOs said that it is still important to keep the momentum going and ensure that the MEPA Board follows through this decision by refusing to grant a permit to the developers.

The NGOs said that another issue that needs to be addressed is the policy regarding Hondoq in the Gozo and Comino Local Plan, which was changed without consultation, from one in favour of rehabilitation, to one in favour of development. The NGOs said that this policy should be changed back to what was agreed upon between MEPA and the Qala Local Council in 2002, where Hondoq Bay and its surroundings were designated as being Outside the Development Zone (ODZ).

Finally the NGOs have proposed that Hondoq be turned into a National Park, as was already planned by the Qala Local Council and that the area be rehabilitated and protected in order that everyone can continue to enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty for generations to come.

The NGOs concluded by appealing for everyone to continue to show their support by signing their petition and helping to ensure that the MEPA Board upholds the decision of MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate, by refusing to grant a permit for the development of Hondoq ir-Rummien into a real estate/marina complex.

To view the comments go to

http://gozonews.com/18978/environment-ngos-petition-to-keep-hondoq-for-all-to-enjoy/comment-page-1/#comment-8390

AD calls on MEPA Board to refuse the Hondoq development

2011-08-24T16:27:00.000+02:00

Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party urged the MEPA Board to endorse the recommendations of the Environment Planning Directorate and refuse the proposed development at Hondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “We expect the MEPA Board to refuse the proposed development of a yacht marina and tourist village in Hondoq ir-Rummien, and thus close the issue once and for all. Such development will ruin the bay and cause severe environmental damage. Together with NGOs and Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Alternattiva Demokratika is the only political party which has been opposing the development ever since it was proposed. Our objections are now being endorsed by the Environment Planning Directorate, which we welcome. We also welcome proposals to embellish the beach and the area for the benefit of the general public.”

To view the comments, go to

http://gozonews.com/18949/ad-calls-on-mepa-board-to-refuse-the-hondoq-development/comment-page-1/#comment-8378

EIA reports being published online

2011-08-24T16:26:00.000+02:00

Environment impact reports will start being immediately uploaded on the planning authority’s website once recommendations by the environment unit are made.

“This... aims at increasing the perception of the public that the EIA process is fairer, more transparent and safeguarded from undue bias,” the planning authority said.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority also moved away from the previous practice where EIA reports had to wait for the final report by the planning directorate to be concluded before being published.

The first impact assessment report published with the recommendations of the environment protection directorate was that of a €120 million tourist complex in Ħondoq Ir-Rummien, in Gozo. In the report, published two weeks ago, the unit slammed the project, saying it was “objectionable”.

Mepa said it recently carried out a number of significant improvements to its website, making it a less complex structure for public access and easier to navigate through information for planning applications that required an environment report.

The environment report represented an important component of public decision-making since it could help to predict, analyse and assess the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of a development, Mepa said.

The website would also help the public take part more effectively in the EIA process, making its findings more accurate and robust, it added.

To view the comments, go to

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110816/local/EIA-reports-being-published-online.380449

Giovanna Debono will respect MEPA’s refusal recommendation on Hondoq By NESTOR LAIVIERA

2011-08-24T16:24:00.000+02:00

Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono.

“I definitely respect their recommendations,” Gozo MinisterGiovanna Debono tells GozoToday, referring to the dismissal of the Hondoq EIA by MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate.

Debono was speaking during an interview that appeared on GozoToday – MaltaToday’s special Gozo-themed issue, which is out today.

During the interview, Debono was asked about how before the 2008 election, she went on record describing the Hondoq Ir-Rummien Project as a positive thing for Gozo.

Only days ago however, MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate dismissed an Environmental Impact Assessment as “unduly biased”, and recommended the project for refusal.

How did she react to this?

“I have always declared that I respect the decisions taken by those entities that have been specifically set up to guide Government with respect to specific areas such as sustainable development, transparency and environmental issues,” Debono said..

“These entities were appropriately set up to avoid decisions being taken on personal perceptions, and I definitely respect their recommendations,” she added.

To view the comments go to

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/giovanna-debono-will-respect-mepa%E2%80%99s-refusal-recommendation-on-hondoq#comment-32060

Ħondoq ir-Rummien by Andre Damato

2011-08-24T16:21:00.001+02:00

Article published on 13 August 2011

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left, as an organisation that promotes environmental rights and social justice, welcomes the recommendation of the Directorate of Environmental Protection to Mepa to refuse the proposed project at Ħondoq ir-Rummien. Mepa should reject this unsustainable development.

People have every right to continue to enjoy public spaces. These are important for everyday democracy.

The proposed area is outside the development zone, mostly frequented by the public both for swimming, hiking and rambling purposes. A referendum conducted among the people of Qala showed clearly that 85% of the people disagreed with the proposed project.

The government should have a clear policy for an ‘eco-Gozo’ that will lead to the rehabilitation of Ħondoq ir-Rummien, through public investment, with special attention to the natural environment of the area, and for the regeneration of the old quarry with the planting of trees. Żminijietna supports the work done so far by Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq and other environmental and social NGOs in campaigning against this absurd and harmful development.

■ Andre Damato

Żminijietna – Leħen ix-Xellug

Sliema

To view the comments, go to

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=130398

Gozo has not yet reached the point of no return

2011-08-24T16:10:00.007+02:00

The recent dismissal by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority of the application for the massive project at Ħondoq ir-Rummien, in Gozo, should be a wake-up call for all concerned to start considering development applications for Gozo with different planning tools than are used for applications in the mainland.

Without going into the merits or otherwise of the project, this application should never have taken such an incredibly long time to determine and it is definitely not fair on developers, and potential investors (or objectors even) to be kept hanging for so long. This has already happened before in the Verdala golf course project and others and is always deplorable.

Nevertheless, Mepa should be the first to acknowledge that Gozo is, I should say fortunately, still at a stage when most of it can be salvaged (barring maybe Marsalforn and Xlendi) and, therefore, able to nip unsustainable projects in the bud. It is a fact that many insensitive developments have been permitted to contribute to the uglification of many a quaint Gozitan village in the past decades but let’s look forward as I believe that the rape of Gozo has not yet reached the point of no return.

Positive signs of Mepa’s new commitment have become evident recently in its refusal of the Xagħra Lodge proposal and of the Dwejra boathouses – so there is hope still.

Maybe it is the opportune time for a third EPC (Environment Planning Commission) board to be purposely set up to consider only applications for Gozo. This board, which would meet in Gozo, should be composed solely of persons who are aware of and sensitive to the uniqueness of Gozo and who would ensure that, within the normal planning considerations, each application fits into its immediate surroundings, if it is going to be allowed.

The local plan for Gozo should be rewritten not only to control new developments but to ensure that they enhance the character of the island. Failing which I fear the charm of our sister island will slowly wither away and be lost for future generations.

To view the comments, go on

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110813/letters/Gozo-has-not-yet-reached-the-point-of-no-return.380019

People’s voice cannot be and will not be denied

2011-08-08T15:40:00.003+02:00

Jane Carr, Qala

Published on the TIMES OF MALTA

The decision by the Environment Protection Directorate not to recommend the tourist complex development at Ħondoq ir-Rummien for approval is an extremely welcome one and an affirmation of common sense.

A huge thank you should go to Paul Buttigieg who over nine years has acted as a catalyst for the people power that will hopefully save Ħondoq ir-Rummien. A huge thank you should also go to every individual who sent an SMS, an e-mail, a letter to the papers, signed an online petition, made a phone call, attended a meeting, made a donation and made their voice heard in their protest against the unwarranted development of Ħondoq.

Maybe one voice cannot be heard by itself but when we all shout together, we can all, individually, make a difference.

To view the comments, go to

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110806/letters/People-s-voice-cannot-be-and-will-not-be-denied.378956

MEPA needs certified EIA professionals – Nature Trust

2011-08-08T15:34:00.002+02:00

Nature Trust (Malta) said in a statement today that it “has welcomed the recommendation by MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate that the proposed mega-tourism development for Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay should be refused.” “Among other things, the directorate referred to a particular report, which it said was biased, and was also critical of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).”

Nature Trust (Malta) president Vincent Attard said, “The time has come for MEPA to have certified EIA professionals, in recognition of those who have always given a true picture of the environmental situation of the sites under survey. In parallel, MEPA should have a black list of so-called experts who try suiting developers through the EIAs they draw up.”

The Environment Protection Directorate said the area should be kept “free from even small-scale development.” The NGO now hopes that good sense will prevail, as has been happening recently with proposed projects such as that of Ramla l-Hamra, which was refused.

“The Environment Protection Directorate’s recommendation is extremely important, as Malta cannot afford more unsustainable development, using economic growth as an excuse. An island like Gozo, which is very rich in ecological areas, should focus more on specific types of tourism such eco-tourism and agri-tourism.

Nature Trust feels that places like Hondoq ir-Rummien should be rehabilitated and conserved in a way that the bay and the surrounding area could be promoted among tourists. Dwejra and Ta’ Cenc are similar ecologically rich areas that are also important from an aesthetic point of view and that are popular among tourists.

The Hondoq area is also rich in marine ecology, as it has healthy posidonia meadows that could attract diving and snorkelling tourism,” Mr Attard concluded.

To view the comments, go to

http://gozonews.com/18770/mepa-needs-certified-eia-professionals-nature-trust/

Pass eqreb biex Ħondoq ir-Rummien jiġi salvat milli jiġi żviluppat

2011-08-08T15:29:00.002+02:00

L-ambjentalisti ħadu l-aħbar pożittiva li d-Direttorat għall-Protezzjoni tal-Ambjent (DPA) fi ħdan il-MEPA mhux biss qiegħed jopponi l-iżvilupp propost għal Ħondoq ir-Rummien fil-Qala, Għawdex, imma qiegħed isostni li fil-bajja m’għandu jsir lanqas żvilupp ċkejken.

Il-MEPA għandha applikazzjoni quddiemha biex f’Qala Creek tinbena ‘yacht marina’ li tkun tesa bejn 100 u 150 jott (jiddependi mid-daqs tagħhom), lukanda ta’ ħames stilel b’170 sodda, 283 post ta’ abitazzjoni li jvarjaw minn villas, appartamenti u ‘bungalows’, għaxar ħwienet u parkeġġ taħt l-art li jkun jesa 731 vettura.
Fir-rapport li ħejja d-DPA huwa jiddeskrivi l-proġett bħala “żvilupp kbir urban f’żona barra mill-iżvilupp” u jgħid li fis-sit lanqas żvilupp żgħir m’għandu jsir. Huwa jsostni wkoll li l-proġett se jħalli impatt negattiv fuq l-inħawi li jvarja minn storbju, dħaħen u kwalità agħar tal-baħar.
Ir-rapport jgħid ukoll li t-trabijiet li jinħolqu waqt it-tħaffir u l-bini tal-proġett mistenni jaffetwa lir-residenti tal-Qala kif ukoll lill-għelieqi tal-madwar għax ir-riħ jista’ jtajjar it-trab sa nofs kilometru bogħod.
Dawn l-istqarrijiet min-naħa tad-DPA mill-ewwel ġabu reazzjonijiet minn diversi naħat fosthom il-Kunsill Lokali tal-Qala fejn is-Sindku Paul Buttigieg qal li r-rapport jikkonferma kemm kien fih ineżattezzi l-istudju dwar l-impatt ambjentali (EIA) li sar qabel.
“L-EIA kien wieħed totalment ‘biased’ kontra l-lokalità tagħna u dan biex jaġevola l-proġett u l-iżviluppaturi,” huwa sostna.
Buttigieg madankollu huwa konxju li d-deċiżjoni finali għadha ma tteħditx u sostna li jridu joqogħdu attenti għal kull mossa li tista’ ssir sakemm il-proġett jitla’ quddiem il-Bord tal-MEPA.
“Konvint li matul dawn il-ġimgħat li ġejjin se tisimgħu ħafna dwar dan il-proġett u f’isem il-Kunsill Lokali tal-Qawra fid-dmir u fl-obbligu li nżommukom infurmati dwar dak kollu li jkun qiegħed jiġri b’mod partikolari lir-resident Qalin,” żied Buttigieg.
Tliet għaqdiet ambjentali – Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar u r-Ramblers – ukoll urew is-sodisfazzjon tagħhom għall-konklużjoni fir-rapport tad-DPA.
F’reazzjoni konġunta, huma qalu li jekk jgħaddi l-proġett ir-raħal tal-Qala se jirdoppja fid-daqs u dan iħalli impatt fuq it-tniġġiż mill-vetturi.
Dan barra t-trabijiet li jinħolqu mix-xogħol tal-kostruzzjoni fejn l-għaqdiet isemmu li fuq perjodu ta’ 18-il xahar jispiċċaw joħorġu mis-sit trakk mimli ġebel kull erba’ minuti. Meta jkun mibni l-proġett ikun ifisser li se jgħaddu madwar 2,000 karozza kuljum li jfissir tniġġiż mill-istorbju u tniġġiż fl-arja.
It-tliet għaqdiet ħassewhom imħassbin b’ċerti frażijiet użati fl-EIA bħal “the site cries out to be developed” (is-sit għandu bżonn kbir li jiġi żviluppat) u “developing a marina at this location offers a win-win situation” (l-iżvilupp tal-‘yacht marina jgawdi minnu kulħadd).
“Waqt li r-rapport dwar l-iżvilupp tal-‘yacht marinas’ fil-pajjiż is-sit ta’ Ħondoq ir-Rummien kien eskluż, l-EIA qiegħed jgħid li huwa l-iktar sit addattat bl-iskuża li l-ftit dgħajjes li jidħlu fil-post jiġġustikaw marina għal 150 jott,” sostnew flimkien l-imsemmijin għaqdiet. Huma jemmnu li s-sit jista’ jiġi mtejjeb billi jitneħħa t-terrapien tal-ġebel u skart ieħor li hemm fl-inħawi u jitħawlu iktar siġar, jissebbaħ il-wied u jiġu mtejbin il-faċilitajiet tar-rikreazzjoni fil-bajja.
“Aħna naqblu mal-konklużjoni tar-rapport tad-DPA li qal dak li ilna ngħidu mindu l-applikazzjoni ġiet sottomessa disa’ snin ilu jiġifieri li ż-żona għandha tinbidel f’‘park’ nazzjonali ħalli minnu jgawdu l-pubbliku u t-turiżmu Għawdxi”.
Għaqda oħra li laqgħet il-parir tad-DPA kienet Żminijietna – Leħen ix-Xellug fejn anke appellat lill-Bord tal-MEPA biex jivvota kontra dan l-iżvilupp għax in-nies għandhom dritt igawdu spazji pubbliċi.
“Iż-żona proposta hija waħda Barra miż-Żona tal-Iżvilupp (ODZ) u l-akkwata hija waħda ffrekwentata mill-pubbliku għall-għawm u l-mixjiet fil-kampanja. Referendum li kien sar mal-poplu tal-Qala ħareġ biċ-ċar li 85 fil-mija tal-Qalin ma jaqblux mal-proġett propost,” sostna l-kelliem tal-għaqda David Pisani.
Waqt li apppellat lill-Gvern għal politika ċara favur dak li huwa stess qiegħed isejjaħ “Għawdex Ekoloġiku” li għandu jwassal għar-rijabilitazzjoni ta’ Ħondoq ir-Rummien, l-għaqda ħeġġet għal investiment pubbliku li jinkludi t-tħawwil tas-siġar.

To view the comments, go to

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=129904

Updated | Thumbs down for Hondoq mega project, NGOs concur

2011-08-04T10:07:00.001+02:00

MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate dismisses an Environmental Impact Assessment for the Hondoq ir-Rummienmega-project as “unduly biased”, and recommends the project's refusal.

14:00 Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar and Ramblers Association of Malta welcome the MEPA Environment Protection Directorate (EPD) recommendation of a refusal of the Hondoq project application.

The NGOs noted that the EPD report states that there is no overriding justification in terms of net environmental improvement or similar public benefit for the Qala creek project of a yacht marina, hotel, 283 villas, flats and bungalows.

It said that this major urban-type development in an ODZ area will create negative impacts related to sea pollution, traffic, noise, sewage and other damaging emissions.

Such adverse impacts are inevitable both during the contraction phase, and following the completion of the project, the NGOs said.

Qala is already encumbered with heavy traffic from the existing quarries and cannot possibly take more load without damage to the social fabric.

The NGOs expressed concerned at the EIA “which the EPD judged impartial and heavily biased.”

“Impacts were not assessed in enough depth, presenting ‘excuses’ rather than mitigation measures to lower the impact,” they said, adding that the EIA claimed Hondoq was the most suitable site for a marina, while the report on Development of Yachting Facilities in Malta had not even considered Hondoq.

The NGOs agreed with MEPA’s conclusion that Hondoq can be improved without the need of any mega development:

“Clearing the accumulated quarry and coastal debris, dismantling the distillation plant, improving beach facilities and afforestation of the valley are exactly the measures needed, as proposed by the Architecture Award projects organised by the Qala Local Council, Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar and the University of Malta Architecture Department.”

The NGOs also expressed agreement with the report’s conclusion that the area should be turned into a national park for the enjoyment of the general public and to the benefit of the Gozitan tourism in line with the ECO-Gozo concept.

“It is now hoped that this application will be refused by the MEPA Board,” they said

10:20 MEPA's Environment Protection Directorate is calling on MEPA to turn down the controversial Hondoq ir-Rummien Project.

The proposed project includes a deluxe 5 star 110 bedroom hotel, 20 self catering villas, 60 apartments serviced by the hotel, 203 apartments, 1249 underground parking spaces, a village centre which includes a church and shops and a yacht marina for approximately 100 to 150 berths.

An Environment Impact Statement on the impact of the project has already been presented last year. But its results have been questioned by MEPA’s experts. According to the EPD the assessment is “unduly biased” towards the development and includes comments like “the site cries out to be developed” and “developing a marina in this location offers a win-win situation.” It also describes the claim that “the development will rehabilitate the existing eyesore by creating a marina environment which will blend with the surrounding landscape as “unsubstantiated.”

The EPD’s report shoots down the idea of creating a temporary route for trucks carrying material during the construction phase of the project noting that it would be very difficult to reverse the impact on existing trees, rubble walls and traditional rural features. It also notes that this would affect Natura 2000 sites. According to the EPD this will pose a “dangerous precedent which will result in further similar undesirable development” on natural areas.

According to the EPD all options proposed for the transport of heavy trucks would have “unacceptable impacts.” In this context the EPD notes that the best option would be not to carry out the development at all.

In its conclusions the Directorate calls on MEPA to refuse the development. One of the major objections is that the project cannot be accommodated within the confines of the quarry and existing road network. The EPD also notes that proposal is for a major urban-type development which is proposed in an area which should be kept free from even small-scale urban development. The Directorate also notes that any claimed benefits of the project can be addressed without any new development through simple measures like the removal of accumulated quarry debris and afforestation.

To view the comments, go to

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/thumbs-down-for-hondoq-mega-project-ngos-concur

Update 1: Mepa directorate gives thumbs down to Ħondoq ir-Rummien development

2011-08-04T10:06:00.001+02:00

The Environment Protection directorate within Mepa is recommending the refusal of the proposed development at Ħondoq ir-Rummien.

The much-awaited report by the directorate which was published on the Mepa’s website on Tuesday, argues that the development will provide “no overriding justifications in terms of net environmental improvement or public benefit”

The Planning Directorate is the body that provides expert recommendations to the Mepa board, which will decide on the case in the coming weeks.

Should the board overturn the recommendation given by the directorate then it would have to state why it has done so.

The directorate's report is highly critical of the development proposed. “The proposal is for a major urban-type development in ODZ and in an area which should be kept free from even small-scale urban development”.

“The excavation and operation of the marina are also of particular concern as regards to impacts on the natural and human populations of the site and surroundings”.

On balance, it states, the proposed development is not considered to uphold the principles of sustainable development, since any claimed benefits of the project can be addressed without the need to accommodate new development, such as through simple measures aimed at improving the site’s amenity, removal of alien elements namely the accumulated quarry debris, distillation plant, concrete quay and coastal debris, and regeneration of the former natural/ semi-natural habitats through afforestation or recreation of valley and improvement of amenity for informal recreational purposes.

The news was welcomed by the Qala local council, whose territory includes the Ħondoq ir-Rummien Bay. In 2002, the council organised a referendum on the project: 85% voted against the project, with a participation rate of 75%, and the council itself had also opposed the project, stating that the MEPA board should not even consider it, let alone approve it.

The council welcomed the directorate’s claims that the environmental impact assessment which was drawn up had inaccuracies, noting that it had itself deemed the EIA as completely biased in favour of the developers.

However, it will wait until the final vote to celebrate, and pledged to keep the town’s residents abreast of developments.

The recommendation to vote down the project was also welcomed by environmental NGOs Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar and the Ramblers Association, who in a joint statement said that the report’s conclusion – that the area should become a national park – echoed their own stand ever since the site was earmarked for development.

They also expressed concerns about the heavily biased environmental impact assessment, which claimed that the bay was the most suitable site for a marina even though a report on the development on yachting facilities had not even considered it.

To view the comments, go to

http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&Action=1&NewsId=85122&newscategory=36&cache=false

Ħondoq decision welcomed

2011-08-04T10:05:00.001+02:00

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.

To view the comments, go to

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110804/local/-ondoq-decision-welcomed.378651

NGOs welcome EPD's Hondoq project refusal recommendation

2011-08-04T10:01:00.002+02:00

MEPA's Environment Protection Directorate's recommendation of a refusal of the Hondoq project application has been welcomed by the Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar and the Ramblers Association .

In a statement they quoted the report which states that the Qala creek project to build a yacht marina, hotel and 283 villas, flats and bungalows amounts to a major urban development in an ODZ area which should be kept free from even small-scale development.

The EPD said there was no justification, environmental improvement or similar public benefit but rather, various negative impacts related to traffic noise and emissions and to water quality.

The report on water quality established that the seawater in the Hondoq area was one of the safest and cleanest for Gozo, however the project risked major damage to Posidonia meadows in the Gozo-Comino channel from construction dust while other substances such as nitrates and phosphates could be released into the bay.

Further effluent from sea craft and the sewage purification plants could also pollute the Gozo-Comino Channel.

Dust emissions during excavation and construction were also expected to affect Qala village as well as surrounding agricultural land as wind could disperse the dust up to half a kilometre.

Set to double the size of the existing village, the impact of this project had always been a serious concern for the NGOs due to vehicle air emissions. During the 18-month excavation period, heavy vehicle traffic would amount to one truckload every four minutes, while if built, the complex would generate some 2000 vehicles per day, causing harmful social effects due to noise and air pollution and changes in the demographic fabric.

The NGOs said they were particularly concerned by what MEPA described as "the prolonged failure by the EIA Coordinator to address the issues in a comprehensive and acceptable manner. The supposedly impartial assessment reveals its bias towards the Hondoq ir-Rummien site using expressions such as "The site cries out to be developed" and "Developing a marina at this location offers a win-win situation". Thus while the report on 'Development of Yachting Facilities in Malta' had completely excluded Hondoq as a potential marina site, this EIA claimed it was the most suitable site, using the pretext of the existing few boat trips per year at Hondoq to justify a marina of 150 yachts.

The NGOs concurred with MEPA that that any claimed benefits of the project could be created without the need for new development, through improving the site by clearing the accumulated quarry debris, distillation plant and coastal debris, and regenerating the former habitats through afforestation, recreation of the valley and improvement of the beach recreation facilities. These measures were proposed by the Architecture Award projects organised by the Qala Local Council, Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar and the University of Malta Architecture Department.

The area, the organizations said, should be turned into a national park for the enjoyment of the public and to the benefit of Gozitan tourism.

They hoped the application would be refused by the MEPA board.

The decision has also been welcomed by the Qala council.

To view the comments, go to

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110803/local/ngos-hondoq.378622

SOS Hondoq pleased at recommendation of Hondoq refusal

2011-08-04T10:00:00.002+02:00

Moviment Harsien Hondoq said that it was “very pleased” that the Envrionmental Protection Deirectorate of MEPA had recommended refusal of the Hondoq project application.” The proposal was for a €120 million tourist complex at Hondoq ir-Rummien.

As well as many objections from NGOs, the Church’s environmental Commission also came out against the development in a report in July 2010, stating that “it is not sustainable.” The Commission was in favour of the transformation of the quarry to a National Park.

Moviment Harsien Hondoq said in it’s statement, “We as Moviment Harsien Hondoq are very pleased to read that MEPA has recommended ‘refusal’ of the Hondoq project application.”

“We agree especially with the conclusion of the report which states that the area should be for the general public’s recreation. This is what we have been claiming since the application was first lodged nine years ago, that the area should be turned into a national park where everyone can enjoy without many expenses.”

“We now hope that this application will also be refused when it goes in front of the MEPA board,” the statement concluded.

To view the comments, go to

http://gozonews.com/18737/sos-hondoq-pleased-at-recommendation-of-hondoq-refusal/comment-page-1/#comment-8294

SOS Hondoq News

Ħondoq ir-Rummien developers file appeal

Qed nistennew deċiżjoni definita

Muted response to Ħondoq news

Response on Ħondoq

Waiting in vain for Hondoq

MEPA asks Hondoq developers to submit new application

Back to drawing board

Talba lill-MEPA biex tirrifjuta applikazzjoni ġdida għal ħondoq

MEPA urged to refuse Hondoq Hotel plans by environment NGOs

‘Controversial’ projects for Gozo?

Published on the Times of Malta on Sunday, 30th October, 2011 by Alan Deidun.

Pulling wool over eyes

NGOs call on MEPA to refuse Qala Creek project after change of plans

NGOs call on Mepa to refuse new Hondoq application

Environmental NGOs urge MEPA to refuse Hondoq project

Ħondoq project developers drop marina. . . and propose lagoon

It-trasport tan-nar minn ħondoq ir-Rummien

L-iżviluppatur ibiddel il-pjanti

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

Lejn era gdida: Hondoq ir-Rummien

Eco-Gozo’s sustainable development

TM kontra l-proġett ta’ Ħondoq ir-Rummien

Qed nistennew deċiżjoni definita

NGOs welcome TM’s recommendation for refusal of Hondoq

NGO's welcome TM's recommentation on Hondoq

The Eco-Gozo concept hype

Petition to ‘save Ħondoq’

Eco-Gozo stands or falls at Ħondoq ir-Rummien

Ħondoq project and the Eco-Gozo plan

Put environment ahead of profit at Hondoq

It’s not trust in Mepa that’s at stake by Simone Mizzi

Environment NGOs petition to keep Hondoq for all to enjoy

AD calls on MEPA Board to refuse the Hondoq development

EIA reports being ­published online

Giovanna Debono will respect MEPA’s refusal recommendation on Hondoq By NESTOR LAIVIERA

Ħondoq ir-Rummien by Andre Damato

Gozo has not yet reached the point of no return

People’s voice cannot be and will not be denied

Jane Carr, Qala

MEPA needs certified EIA professionals – Nature Trust

Pass eqreb biex Ħondoq ir-Rummien jiġi salvat milli jiġi żviluppat

Updated | Thumbs down for Hondoq mega project, NGOs concur

Update 1: Mepa directorate gives thumbs down to Ħondoq ir-Rummien development

Ħondoq decision welcomed

NGOs welcome EPD's Hondoq project refusal recommendation

SOS Hondoq pleased at recommendation of Hondoq refusal

EIA reports being published online