BirdLife Malta today slammed the Transport Minister Austin Gatt for presenting a document which was commissioned by the Seabank Hotel owner Sylvio Debono 5 years ago, as some sort of evidence to prove his allegation that the existing road is causing the erosion of the Ghadira beach.
The conservation organisation also revealed that during a three hour long meeting held yesterday between the government officials and NGO representatives, Adrian Mallia, who is one of the co-authors of the document entitled “Mellieha Bay Regional Environmental Assessment” prepared in 2004, agreed that the document was not a scientific survey focusing on the coastal geomorphology of the Ghadira bay and that proper studies were needed.
In fact the document itself states that “Removal of the road and the stabilising vegetation, without cognisance of the dynamics at play and if undertaken without due caution … may result in the inland migration of the sand.” The document goes on to state that “A careful study of dune specific dynamics is essential.” (1)
BirdLife Malta President Joseph Mangion said: “Despite these facts, minutes after the meeting held with the NGOs, Dr. Gatt rushed to present this same document to the media as some sort of proof. It is very clear that Dr. Gatt does not have any scientific evidence and is so desperate that he relies on a document that was paid by and prepared for the Seabank Hotel owner.”
BirdLife insisted that if there is erosion then this needs to be proven by scientific studies before the Ministry can decide whether or not the removal of the road is necessary. Furthermore, there are other options to replenish the beach without the necessity of removing the existing road, BirdLife said.
BirdLife Malta Executive Director Tolga Temuge said: “The latest statement from the Transport Ministry that they will submit three proposals is a tactic to put the burden on MEPA. The Environmental Impact Assessment(s) will consider the impacts of the Ministry’s proposal. However the EIA will not address the question of whether the road project is necessary in the first place. We urge MEPA to refuse the Ministry’s proposal until the Transport Ministry comes up with a scientific justification for this project.”
Notes:
1) Regional Environmental Assessment: Mellieha Bay, Page 22, adi Associates, 2004