The Ramblers’ Association, Friends of the Earth and Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar appeal to the DCC Board to refrain from its course to ruin irreparably the Maltese valley systems in turn. After bending backwards to push the application at pristine Bahrija, everything now seems set at Mepa for the DCC meeting on the 16th of February to issue the first permit of two very controversial applications for developments in the Ta’ Marga valley in Qala. These are not public projects intended to enhance the valley. On the contrary one is “to erect apartment block with basement garage” while the other is for “five houses with pools” – private projects that risk ruining the Qala valley hydrogically, ecologically and scenically.
It seems that the fact that both these developments fall mainly outside the development zone (ODZ) is not important to MEPA. Neither is it of consequence that the developments contravene policies regulating valleys and water courses. Irresponsibly the Directorate at Mepa had initially recommended approval for the first application on the weak “prima facie” assumptions, in spite of expert advice to the contrary by Ing Marco Cremona, who was commissioned by the Qala Local Council.
In fact it was the Qala Local Council, not MEPA, that justly raised grave concerns about these developments. In August 2008 it commissioned hydrologist Ing Marco Cremona to carry out an assessment of the hydrological impact. His findings were clear-cut: the developments would create an obstacle to both the surface and the subsurface flow of water. They will intercept the flow of the watercourse systems in the valley, thereby reducing the water storage of the shallow wells lying downstream, to the detriment of not less than 29 farmers. These have signed a petition to MEPA to refuse both permits
The DCC asked the Directorate to commission another independent report and the MRA (Malta Resources Authority) carried a detailed study by one of its senior hydrologists. His report corroborated that of Ing Cremona to the full, and went one step beyond. The MRA hydrologist did not mince his words but stated that the government could eventually be sued for damages by the farmers involved, as well as by the people settled in the area because flooding is a likely risk if the developments proceed. It is shameful that MEPA failed to send a copy of the MRA report to the Qala Local Council, in spite of formal requests going back to September last year.
The three NGOs trust that on the 16th February the DCC board will decide rationally and give due importance to expert advice rather than “prima facie” assumptions. The NGOs strongly urge MEPA take its role as guardian of the natural and cultural heritage seriously in the national interest. Decisions that favour controversial applications in favour of private interests to the detriment of the public interest only confirm the general perception, or rather conviction, that MEPA is an unaccountable entity that acts above the law.
8 Comments To "NGOs appeal for rational decision on Wied il-Marga, Qala"
#1 Comment By Mario On February 13, 2010 @ 6:05 pm
This makes me wonder what MEPA reform means .
Eco Gozo at it`s best
#2 Comment By J C On February 13, 2010 @ 6:33 pm
Please do not ruin any more nature in order to built more apartments and more houses only to remain empty !!!!!!!!Wied il Marga will be ruined for ever
#3 Comment By Marion On February 13, 2010 @ 6:46 pm
I fail to understand how these people can hold their head up. Having been to Gozo many times, and hoping to relocate there this year, what is the point of further ruining the green spaces you have, attractive to visitors and locals alike, and giving permission to build new properties when there are currently hundreds half constructed or empty. Wake up and smell the coffee MEPA before it’s too late
#4 Comment By James A. Tyrrell On February 13, 2010 @ 7:46 pm
Are the present Government and MEPA determined to totally ruin the Maltese islands forever? Is that their plan, to totally scar every beautiful area with concrete? What the hell does either Malta or Gozo need with another apartment block given the fact that there are thousands of properties standing empty at the present time?
If this development is given the go ahead it will be a clear message that the Government has sold out to the developers and that they are fully behind the further rape for profit of the islands. For God’s sake wake up and put an end to this wanton destruction once and for all before it is too late.
#5 Comment By Lesley Kreupl On February 13, 2010 @ 8:38 pm
How is it possible after all the recent scandals relating to the development of property in ODZ areas that the DCC board of MEPA has the gall to try and apply for approval of yet another, not one, but TWO such developments?
The fact that the new cemetery in Nadur has already destroyed the water course system in an important agricultural valley – despite the warning of experts and local farmers – should be an alarm signal that we have to be careful with our resources! Most of the valleys in Gozo have been polluted in the past by sewage outlets, surely it should be of prime importance to preserve the few ‘clean’ valleys left?
Perhaps the time has also come, in fact it is well overdue, that we need to put a stop to developing more villas with swimming pools (water shortages) and large apartment complexes. I cannot comment for Malta, but Gozo already has far too many empty, desolate building shells and half-constructed apartments and villas. How many more do we need? Just take a walk in Victoria, Xlendi or Marsalforn, or any of the other centres! I realize that the building/construction industry is of prime importance to the economy, but before we destroy more green areas why can’t we refurbish what already exists?
The development of the Ta’ Marga Valley must not be allowed under any circumstances.
Shame on MEPA and shame on the Prime Minister who promised so much!
Eco-Island Gozo – what is that????
#6 Comment By Martin On February 14, 2010 @ 4:46 pm
Please do not destroy the island of Gozo.
On a local TV program it was said that there are 75,000 empty apartments in Gozo and Malta. Surely that there is no need for more.
It will be more important to save precious water; No living human or thing can survive without water.
Marga Valley at Qala must not be developed, do not do the same mistake like you (MEPA Officers) did to Ghajn Qasab Valley at Nadur, with that Ramla Bay CEMETERY, limits of Nadur Gozo.
#7 Comment By Jenny Carter On February 15, 2010 @ 10:34 am
Well here we go again! Why not just concrete over the whole of this so-called ECO ISLAND and be done with it. Why is it that MEPA cannot see the beauty of Gozo and the need for green, open space. Gozo doesn’t need more apartments or over priced farmhouses to stand empty and ruin the landscape. It needs an understanding, confident and environmentally sympathetic government decision to put a stop to all this.
#8 Comment By martin On February 15, 2010 @ 3:49 pm
I begin to wonder what is going on in Gozo the greed factor is moving in these new properties will not sell and will stand there in shell form looking an eyesore for years! what is wrong with the depts that control this do they not ever take in to consideration what the people say! it is clear this area of land should not be built on!