1 comment.DLH “strongly opposes new plans for Marsalforn Road and loss of 183 trees”
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Din l-Art Helwa (DLH) stated that it “strongly opposes the current proposal to widen the Victoria to Marsalforn road, citing that “the most recent proposal does not reflect the spirit of the NGO’s discussions with the Ministry of Gozo concerning the preservation of the natural environment in the Marsalforn valley.”
The NGO stressed that “despite efforts to reach a more sustainable solution, the proposal still includes the alarming removal of a significant number of trees, down from 195 to an unacceptable 183.”
“We had engaged in good faith discussions, under the premise that eliminating the cycling lane would significantly impact the overall land use in the project area. The removal of the proposed cycling lane, measuring 1.50 metres wide across a 3.5-kilometre stretch, should have resulted in a reduction by at least 5,000 square metres of the land take up. However, this does not seem to have been acknowledged in the current proposal,” DLH said.
Additionally, DLH highlighted that the local cyclists’ NGO ROTA “initially opposed the idea of widening the road, favouring a viable alternative mobility route instead of a leisurely country path. On behalf of ROTA, DLH requested the relevant editable digital file to facilitate the investigation of this alternative that would not require the uprooting of trees. Unfortunately, this file has yet to be provided to us.”
DLH insisted that “our steadfast view remains that the primary stretch of road down the valley to Marsalforn should not be altered. After months of deliberation, we had hoped to see a genuine reflection in the proposed plans of our shared commitment to safeguarding the beauty of this valley, its trees, and its tranquil atmosphere.”
DLH concluded by saying it is “not prepared to sanction this proposal as it stands and will continue to advocate for a solution that aligns with our collective vision of preservation and sustainability. We encourage all stakeholders to reconsider the proposal.”
File photo: DLH/Daniel Cilia
Tarmac the road properly and leave it be, there is really no need for this massacre of trees, let nature reign on Gozo and stop trying to please those who want to make a profit out of this project. Be honest with yourselves for once.