Be the first to comment!“Gozo’s Neolithic heritage is under threat once again” – DLH Ghawdex
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“Gozo’s Neolithic heritage is under threat once again,” Din L-Art Helwa – Ghawdex has warned, highlighting the fact that representations against PA/07005/24 for “proposed works for the preservation of archaeological zone (following approval from SCH)” in Triq tal- Qacca, Xaghra, closes at midnight tonight, Friday, the 15th of November.
DLH – Ghawdex noted that “the archaeological evaluation carried out on site by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage has identified the presence of extremely important archaeological remains at this site.
“This consists of two prehistoric burial cavities located to the south east of the Xaghra Circle at a mere distance of only 53 metres from this important burial site.” the heritage NGO said.
DLH Ghawdex stated that these features have been scheduled at the highest level of protection – Class A. The Superintendence has explained that these discovered features have only been subject to a “limited archaeological investigation.”
Notwithstanding, the NGO added that the Superintendence said that enough data has been obtained indicating that these cavities contain an extensive archaeological deposit consisting of human remains, Neolithic pottery and traces of red ochre.
Given the site context, the Superintendent explained that it is clear that these two features (the depth of which is yet unknown) are an extension of the Xaghra Circle Neolithic mass burial site, extending the burial landscape of the Xaghra Circle.
“The proposal to cover these human remains with a cheap and disrespectful ‘rock-garden,’ described by the applicant’s architect as ‘Proposed works for the preservation of the Archaeological Zone,’ should not be allowed. It is also noteworthy that this so-called ‘rock-garden’ does not fully cover the area of the two prehistoric burial cavities, as part of this lies on ODZ (Outside Development Zone) land.”
DLH – Ghawdex is urging to public to submit a representation by midnight tonight against this application, which can be done online by clicking here. The NGO has a suggested text that can be used for such representation, which can be found here.
Photo: DLH – Ghawdex
