5 comments so far.MEPA and others who are against the Hondoq Development
 Email item
|  Print item
|
|
Readers Letter – “Further to recent reports concerning Hondoq, here are some quotes from various concerned bodies. Let’s hope that MEPA takes heed of their own opinions and those of so many others and confirm their opposition to the Hondoq project in the 2nd of May appeal.
Directorate of Environment Protection (MEPA) “having reviewed and assessed the information for this development proposal, considers the development proposal as objectionable, on various accounts…. Accordingly, a refusal of the proposal is recommended.”
Natural Heritage Panel (MEPA “is of the opinion that the negative impacts of the project on the natural environment outweigh the positive aspects. The Panel is therefore of the opinion that the proposed development cannot be recommended for approval.”
Transport Malta “objects to the proposed development in view that it would be increasing traffic volumes to unacceptable levels in the centre of the village of Qala.”
Malta Tourism Policy states: “Long-term sustainable tourism cannot and should not destroy the assets that compose the tourism offer and which attracts tourists to Malta and Gozo in the first place. It is in our interest to safeguard the natural, marine and human environment and not to allow speculation.”
Malta’s Tourism Authority “conditioned the developers that if the project is not developed as proposed in principle, i.e. in its totality, the MTA reserves the right to reconsider its endorsement with regards to the development of the proposed hotel.”
Church Commission “is of the opinion that the project as proposed at Hondoq is not a sustainable one.”
The NGO’s “are against any sort of development at Hondoq,” 85% of Qala residents voted against the project and over 4400 people signed a petition against it.
In the EIA, MEPA commented “We are all aware that several hotels have recently been demolished to make way for apartments or re-classified as apartment blocks, an indication that there are sufficient hotels available.
“At present there are several thousand empty apartments on this island. This means that another hotel and more apartments are really not sustainable or necessary.”
And the developer’s themselves stated:-
– “It is pertinent to point out that the project being considered is quite unique – it is a marina led type of development.”
– “It is evident that current demand for five-star hotel properties in Gozo is weak.”
– “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 hotel is not viable without the marina. That leaves apartments. That spells speculation.
MEPA, please act on the majority opinion, which is against the project – as are the recommendations from your own departments.”
Jane Carr,
Qala.
Well said Ms Carr. I sincerely hope that the more intelligent members of MEPA (if there are any) will see the light!
So much of Gozo has already been screwed up over the last thirty years, hopefully the MEPA board will not make yet another balls-up to add to the list.
I will be holding thumbs and more on May 2nd that all the hard work done by the Hondoq “protectors” will not have been in vain!
SAVE HONDOQ!!!!!!!
Good letter Jane .In fact with all the negative reports for the rape of Hondoq this appeal should be refused
I hope that Mepa will do the right thing and refuse the appeal
Very well said Jane. I can also add to that an email I received on the subject from Joseph Muscat in January where he said, “Our position has been crystal clear for years and it was made public: we are against the said yacht marina project at Hondoq.”
The only development which should ever take place at Hondoq is the development of a nature reserve for all the people of Gozo and Malta to enjoy. If any hotels or apartments are allowed to be built there it will be the beginning of the end as far as the tourist trade goes. Time for the Government to decide, are they going to support the money hungry developers or the people who trusted them enough to vote them into office?
Anyone in favour for this rape please raise his hands. Well done jane keep on informing us how do things stand
Simply, well said Jane. Many years ago I lived on the island of Corfu. It was undeniably beautiful then. Fast forward….it is now full of nightclubs, cheap holiday apartments and hotels on the beautiful beaches once enjoyed by the locals and tourists. Today I’d never want to live there. I would be so sad to see Gozo go the same way.