5 comments so far.Moviment Graffitti condemns proposed Nadur development
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Moviment Graffitti has condemned the “destruction of more arable land and the uglification of Gozo due to unscrupulous development.”
The activist group in a statement, expressed its concern over what it said is “the unprecedented rate of development that is threatening Gozo.”
Moviment Graffitti has condemned the proposed construction of 71 apartments over four storeys, 74 garages on two basement levels, and a communal pool in Nadur, Gozo. The expiry date for representations on the case is the 19th of February.
Last month the residents of Qortin Street in Nadur, called for public support regarding this application and their “objection of the destruction of land which will inherently be invading our residency.”
“Gozitan and Maltese citizens alike have had enough of seeing more agricultural land brutalised at the hands of unscrupulous land speculators and gobbled-up by tarmac and hideous blocks of apartments which give nothing back to the community,” the activist group said.
Moviment Graffitti explained that the development, in Qortin Street, is part of the 2006 rationalisation exercise, and it partly falls outside the development zone.
It argued that “the proposed development is significantly out-of-proportion with the other buildings in the area and jars considerably with the surroundings. If given the green light by the authorities, such a huge building would no doubt lead to the overnight transformation of this quiet countryside road.”
“It is clear that this development threatens to further destroy the rural character of what was once an idyllic Gozitan village, resulting in a negative impact on the life of residents,” the activist group added.
It went on to say that “to add further insult to injury, it will also destroy arable land that is still worked by local farmers, who will see their livelihoods destroyed and their land replaced by another ghastly, uninspiring block of apartments.”
Moviment Graffitti stressed that “such a monstrosity in the quaint village of Nadur, will be a huge eyesore, not only in terms of size but also because the design does not blend with the surroundings. It would be covering a large stretch of arable land, creating a number of problems for the residents and for the farmers who work this land.”
“The apartment complex would result in a sudden influx of people and a substantial increase in noise pollution, traffic and demand for parking spaces in a narrow street where parking is already a problem,” it said.
“The development will also restrict access to the Natura 2000 site, il-Qortin, situated at the end of the street,” said Moviment Graffitti. “Furthermore, this huge development will increase the existing sewage problem since the street is not connected to a sewer system, resulting in a large increase of sewage going to the water table which will be highly detrimental to the remaining arable land.”
Moviment Graffitti urged the Planning Authority to reject this development “which will not only contribute significantly to the continued uglification of Gozo, but will also have a very negative impact on the quality of life of the families who live in this tranquil locality and who will have to bear the brunt of yet another huge development in the middle of a rural area.”
Moviment Graffitti concluded by saying that it “strongly supports these residents and invites other residents to follow their example and join the fight against the assault on Gozo.”
Photo: Planning Authority
Interesting Comment !
My question on GM is , why you do not sit togehther with other kindred spirit NGOs and build a THIRD PARTY .
That is what your Country need – instantly !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To stop Corruption and nepotism .
Just a idea .
I have been saying and writing repeatedly that Gozo is being destroyed by decisions taken by others foreign to Gozitan aspects & traditions without calculating the harm & damage these decisions will effect the Gozitan way of life.
Our children will never ever know, except maybe from previous photos, how Gozo was. Gozo so beautiful and restful.
Progress – YES. Destruction – NO.
Lino why are you so worried now when we had a national heritage fortress destroyed, sold to mostly foreign people and no one ,no one objected or said a word. A little too late now.
Its sad what a man said after he vacationed in Malta, he said that Malta looked like an over built prison.
The Gozitan way of life is changing – but it is Council Officials, who really run the day to day life of Gozitan Residents who deem that listening to the Residents about decisions that have made on their behalf is not necessary.
Last week in Xabbata Street, Sannat a Bench which has been on the Road for years suddenly went missing. How many Locals have sat and would still sit on the bench during the days and evening in the Gozitan tradition- do they now have to bring chairs out to sit on.
When I enquired to the Sannat Council Offices as to why, I was told that it had been removed because the Bench was not insured. I was told that there had been complaints that the road was to narrow and there were always hold ups for traffic in the road. The fact that building work in the area is so great and that so many large lorries and cranes are being used makes you realize why Xabbata Street is busy. Local Residents, who know how to deal with the situation have suggested a one-way system – but of course what do they know.
When the next Local Elections come maybe some of the Councillors standing for re-election make finally listen to the Residents they represent