The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) is closely monitoring excavation works that are being carried out in the vicinity of Ghar Gherduf in Kercem, Gozo, the Planning Authority has said.
On Friday, Gozitan NGO Wirt Ghawdex [1], said that, “the days are numbered for Ghar Gherduf, the Roman Catacombs in Kercem, Gozo, which are under serious threat from the development started in the area in front of the complex and in very close proximity.”
The NGO also accused the authorities of “turning a blind eye,” saying that it, “deplores the fact that the authorities, who should be watchful for such occurrences not to happen, have condoned the destruction of this important site.”
In a statement this evening the PA said that it, “did not turn a blind eye as is being suggested by Wirt Ghawdex or was taken by surprise by this development but processed this planning application in accordance to law.”
The Authority added that “during the processing of this application, for the construction of a two storey terraced house, both the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) and the former Environment Protection Directorate (EPD) were consulted and did not object to this proposed development.”
The PA also noted that the ongoing development lies within the Development Zone Boundaries, “in an area designated for residential use. The site falls within a Class B Archaeological Buffer Zone in view of the Ghar Gherduf catacombs which are in the vicinity.”
The Planning Authority concluded by saying that it “will continue to monitor and ensure that the planning permit conditions are being adhered to by the applicant, while the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage will continue to assume its responsibility for archaeological monitoring.”
Photos by Wirt Ghawdex