In the coming weeks, the process will begin to make changes in the planning laws for the government “to seal the certainty and peace of mind that Hondoq ir-Rummien is not developed,” said Prime Minister Robert Abela.

He stated that, “this is the next step in the fight for the protection of Hondoq ir-Rummien.”

The Prime Minister was speaking during a visit to Hondoq accompanied by Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri and Qala Mayor Paul Buttigieg.

The Prime Minister explained that “this is a decision that must reverse what should have never been done, that is to say that in 2006 a change was introduced in the local plan which facilitated a considerable development in Hondoq.”

He said that the direction that the government is now giving is another important change that preserves the island of Gozo and that it is in the interest of families including Gozitans and the Qala community in particular.Abela also noted that decisions from 2013 onwards by the Planning Authority and the courts rejected this development but currently there is nothing to prevent another application for development in Hondoq ir-Rummien.

He stressed that it is therefore necessary that against those past decisions that gave greater value to the speculators, a strong signal is now sent in favour of the interests of the people and unhindered access to the beach at Hondoq.

The Prime Minister reiterated that “a main principle in the work of this government has always been a consistent one against development in Hòndoq ir-Rummien.”

Abela thanked Mayor Buttigieg in particular for working tirelessly to defend Hondoq from development.

At Hondoq ir-Rummien, Prime Minister also highlighted the site on government land of the first Reverse Osmosis for Gozo, a state-of-the-art plant that was made with an investment of €11 million.

Permalink: Changes to planning laws will ensure Hondoq won’t be developed – PM