The Xaghra Local Council has said that it is surprised by the press released issued yesterday [1] by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.
"The Council emphasises that it had never received officially from any authority that the GAIA Foundation is responsible for the management of Ramla and more than that, on which basis the GAIA had been given this responsibility."
"It is worth reminding that during last year’s summer, the Ramla bay was full of stones and other dirt irrespective of the several complaints made by those who visited this picturesque beach. Amongst these visitors, one can mention some foreign journalists who even complained about this situation to several local authorities including the Xaghra Local Council itself and the tourism authorities."
They said that in order to avoid this situation repeating itself, the Xaghra Local Council urged the Gozo Ministry to give a hand in the cleaning of stones which are present on the beach. The Council was informed from the Ministry of a problem, because for this work to be done, there had to be an approval from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.
The Council concluded by saying that it reminds everyone that Ramla Bay is the only sandy beach in Gozo. So, in the name of residents and all the visitors, in order for the beach to be in a good state for this Summer, the Xaghra Local Council is requesting the immediate removal of these stones as happens in other beaches in Malta. The Xaghra Local Council is convinced that this can be done at the same time that the Ramla’s environmental value is protected and conserved (as it is said in the press release issued by MEPA).