2 comments so far.“The future of Gozo seems bleak” because of overdevelopment – GUG
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Gozitan students have reacted to the news that Gozo mayors have been “left fuming” when their proposed meeting regarding the “ongoing struggle” of overdevelopment in Gozo with Planning Authority members was ignored.
In a statement, the Gozo University Group said that it “feels deeply discouraged by this type of behaviour from the people who are in a position to make the difference.”
The GUG lamented that, “in view of such attitude, the future of Gozo seems bleak, greatly affecting the lifestyle of future generations.”
“In an unprecedented stance, Gozitan mayors stood as one to voice their concerns towards the amount of overdevelopment that is taking over our island,” the GUG said. “Yet, their attempt was nonchalantly disregarded.”
As an organisation that represents Gozitans, GUG said that it feels the “urge to exert pressure on the relevant authorities by showing its disapproval towards this type of unacceptable behaviour as shown by the Planning Authority.”
“As part of the future generation, we certainly do not wish that our beautiful island is deprived from its natural beauty by the excessive greed of a handful of powerful people,” it said.
According to the GUG, “latest records show that, very rarely does the Planning Authority refuse to grant building permits, all in all showing that it is not fulfilling its potential to reduce the effects of overdevelopment.”
The “Gozo and Comino Local Plan” policy document is being “blatantly disregarded and set aside,” the GUG said.” The aim behind this document, it said, “was to promote development whilst ensuring that the natural and cultural capital of the islands is safeguarded for the enjoyment of current and future generations.”
It argued that, “it is clear that such safeguarding is definitely not taking place, with the natural landscape being developed uncontrollably, historic sights damaged to accommodate developers, traditional townhouses replaced by concrete blocks and ‘masterplans’ ruining ecological areas and historical centres.”
Moreover, the GUG added, “it is crucial that politicians, who are supposed to serve as representatives of the citizen, voice their concern and not turn a blind eye on such issues, as seems the case.”
Whilst backing the position taken by the Gozitan mayors, the GUG Executive said that it will “incessantly continue to promote a sustainable future for the island we call home since it is indeed at stake of being ruined forever.”
It went on to say that, “we feel that the number of permits being approved will forever change the landscape of the island, ruining it to the detriment of future generations.”
The Gozo University Group concluded by saying, “we strongly encourage other Gozitan organisations to voice their concerns with the relevant authorities before Gozo’s charm is lost.”
Photo by Alain Salvary
Listen to the next generation !!!
Money is not everything – stopped people like Portelli and all the members of the Building syndicate .
NOW or it is to late !
How would you feel if a group of people from say Italy or Spain, any other country, group of people living in their country which is apart from your country and this group of people who do not live in Malta are given the power to give building permits and developments on Malta. Remember they are people like yourself they are not Aliens but they do not live day to day on your island. Imagine we were still under the British control and they have in their power the development of our islands. They can do whatever they want! Our complaints do not count!
This is exactly how I as a Gozitan feel. The people who have the power in their hands to change and destroy what makes Gozo, Gozo are not Gozitans and they do not live on Gozo.
We never learn. Take for example the Nadur Carnival. A University student came to Gozo and discovered the beautiful Spontaneous Carnival. She invited other students to help her bring to light this marvelous celebration like no other on our islands. This realisation spread in Malta like lightning and the Maltese flocked to Gozo in their elaborate costumes and to make them happy Nadurians brought big loud live bands and so on. PROGRESS. Soon enough the Nadurians who used to cover themselves in any old rag and have three days of fun teasing everyone without being recognized STOPPED going out and the Nadur Carnival died. The University student with all her good intentions to make known to the world this silly festive season, destroyed it by giving it to the rest of the Maltese.
Exactly the same thing is happening to Gozo. Exactly the same thing will happen to Gozo, Death by ‘making it better’