2 comments so far.Dwerja concrete eyesore still not removed – AD
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“Its more than six months since visitors to the natural scenic Dwejra Bay witnessed the construction of a concrete monstrous structure. Subsequent to complaints from the public and environmental NGOs, MEPA had halted the construction process last March.
It seems that with time, memories are wiped clear. Today, towards the end of July at the height of the touristic season nothing has changed. Notwithstanding words pleasing to the ear, on concepts such as eco-Gozo, the environmental damage carried out is still there for all to see, and without anyone having shouldered responsibility for its perpetration,” Victor Galea, Alternattiva Demokratika Spokesman for Gozo said.
“The San Lawrenz Local Council as well as the Ministry for Gozo should realise as soon as possible that tourists do not visit Gozo to view concrete poured over natural sites and empty blocks of flats. It is not sufficient for those that promote tourism towards Gozo to publish fantastic photos of the Azure Window at Dwejra only to have tourists encounter irregularities and a general state of neglect when visiting these advertised sites.
It is sufficient to point out that in the vicinity of Dwejra around 80 enforcement notices have been issued. These include illegally built rooms in fields, illegal extensions to boathouses, quarries without permits, dumping sites, and even an extension to a chapel without a permit.”
Full details here: http://victorgalea.blogspot.com/2008/04/dwejra-enforcement-cases.html
The Green Party Spokesman for Sustainable Development Carmel Cacopardo added that, “It is scandalous that a site which had to be changed into a Heritage Park through the use of EU funds has been transformed into a showcase for the operation of the Law of the Jungle in Gozo. These structures in a National Park contrast drastically with what is being projected as eco-Gozo.”
One thing is for sure. Where there is demand and will of investors to take risk then these irregularities pop up.
The issue is not whether we want the development to be there because as mentioned on the other letter to the editor about Gozo’s tourist. Many people expect services to be provided on site.
The issue is that there is no infrastructure for investment and no holistic plan of development. The place have much more potential than meets the eye and landowners are doing nothing more than ruin it most of the times.
Solution is not in closing these boat houses down but opening a tender for architects with environmental and aesthetic guidelines. Then talk to the boatowners on the future of their land.
I too was horrified with this building but only two days ago I went there and now it is covered in wood and old stones and I must say that it is very nice now. Next I go there I will take a photo and send it to Gozonews to see what you guys think. i think it turned out a nice place and a compliment to the surrounding area. Well this is my openion