During an Qala Local Council meeting held in August, a proposal was introduced to enhance the facilities at Gnien il-Familja, the community park in Qala.

Environmental NGO Ghawdix, in a statement on Monday, endorsed by seven other NGOs, said it “appreciates the council’s dedication to enriching public spaces, however, we are alarmed by the plan to construct three new bocci pitches: an Olympic-sized pitch, and two standard-sized ones.”

It pointed out that “as noted in the minutes of the meeting: ‘The Deputy Mayor mentioned that we should have a bocci pitch, and the MGP [Ministry for Gozo and Planning] wants to create one of Olympic size. Additionally, two more should be built with dimensions similar to local standards.’

The NGO said the Deputy Mayor explained that ‘he has an agreement with the MGP to fully finance everything, meaning two pitches of standard size and one of Olympic size. […] To make this happen, he is asking the Council for a specific area within ?nien il-Hajja, and he presented a site plan indicating the marked area.’Ghawdix stressed that it “fully supports traditional sports like bocci, which foster community spirit and extend tradition. However, any upgrades to public areas should prioritise sustainability, minimising environmental disturbance.”

“It is particularly concerning that the proposed location includes a section of the park that has seen limited council upkeep but is home to indigenous trees planted by Qala’s schoolchildren about 13 years ago,” the NGO added that “This green space, one of the few in Qala that has remained relatively untouched, holds ecological and community significance.”

The NGO stated that “despite multiple requests to the local council, we still have not been granted access to the site plans discussed in the meeting, nor has a recording of the meeting been made available on the council’s website.”

For several weeks, Ghawdix said it has sought discussions with the council to explore alternative solutions. “The urgency behind creating new pitches is especially puzzling, particularly on the part of the Ministry for Gozo, given that an older bocci pitch just 600 metres away, at the Nadur football ground, has remained in a dilapidated state. This raises questions about the real need for such investment in new massive facilities, considering the neglected existing infrastructure.”

The NGO went on to say that on Wednesday, 13th November, a preliminary ‘census’ of trees was conducted during a site visit at Gnien Tal-Familja. The park, which spans several hectares, is home to over 100 trees, including Yellow Oleander, Lentisk (Deru), mature Carob, Juniper, Pomegranate, Aleppo Pine, Olive, and Judas Trees. Protected rubble walls enclose the fields, though some sections have collapsed or are damaged. Picnic benches are spread across the park, with many still in good condition. The site is rich in biodiversity, with sea squills and Asphodel bulbs visible throughout the area.

“This lack of transparency only heightens our concerns about the potential impact of this development on the environment,” said Ghawdix

“Unfortunately, the park is also impacted by environmental degradation, including fly tipping along the road leading to litter scattered across the site, posing a serious threat to wildlife,” the NGO said.

It also noted “he absence of waste bins further exacerbates this issue. Additionally, the astroturf and the lack of signage, maps, or other visitor information in both Maltese and English further detracts from the park’s potential as a well-maintained public space.”Despite these challenges,Ghawdix said “it is important to note that all the trees in the left-hand side and top sections of the park have thrived for over a decade without any upkeep. This demonstrates that the park requires little more than basic maintenance: cleaning, minor pruning to allow public access, and the reinstatement of signage.”

“Out of respect for the community’s efforts to establish this green area, we oppose any development that could harm it,” stated Ghawdix.

“We call upon the council to release the proposed plans, including detailed information about the specific land intended for the pitches, and the status of any trees that may be affected,” said Ghawdix. “If transplantation is considered, we request clarification on whether alternative council land has been identified as a new home for these trees or for this project.”

Ghawdix urged the Qala Local council, the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, and also Project Green “to work together, and to focus on restoring Gnien Tal-Familja as a true nature park.”

The NGO insisted that “the people of Qala deserve access to green spaces that are protected, well-maintained, and free from unnecessary development. Furthermore, while we support the council’s afforestation initiatives at Hondoq, it is equally critical to preserve the existing green areas under their care.”

The public statement is endorsed by; Grow 10 trees project, Nature Trust, Bird Life Malta, Azzjoni: Tuna Artna Lura / Action: Give us Back our Land, Din l-Art Helwa, Sigar, Ramblers Association and Wirt Ghawdex.

Photos: Ghawdix

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