SOS Hondoq News

Another reason not to build a marina

2009-12-14T11:12:00.002+01:00

Published on The Times of Malta on Saturday 12th December, 2009 by James A. Tyrrell.

I found the story in Saturday's The Times entitled Rough Sea Pounds Marsalforn very interesting and I certainly liked the photograph from Allan Green. Above is a photograph I took myself of Ħondoq Bay taken on a rough and windy day in October when the sea in Marsalforn was similarly rough. I think this goes to prove why any idea of building a marina at Ħondoq is totally out of the question. Even on such a day the sea at Ħondoq is still calm enough for swimming.

To view photo and comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091212/letters/another-reason-not-to-build-a-marina

Qala Local Council organise clean-up at Hondoq Bay

2009-11-03T21:59:00.001+01:00

Published on www.gozonews.com on 29th October, 2009.

Last Tuesday, Qala Local Council organised a clean-up event in conjunction with the "Lokalitajiet Indaf" (Clean Locations campaign) which is taking place nationwide. Pupils from Anton Buttigieg Primary School participated in this activity, which took place at Hondoq Ir-Rummien Bay, while divers cleaned up the waste that had been dumped onto the sea-bed.

Before the commencement of work, Mayor Paul Buttigieg spoke about the importance of waste separation and the need for the children themselves to encourage their parents to be more aware about their environmental surroundings. While outlining the Local Council’s work in this matter, Mayor Buttigieg also explaind that the influx of tourists to Hondoq during the summer months also produced a considerable amount of waste. He gave an example of this by explaining about plastic bottles and the damage that these items can make to the environment and marine creatures, if they are not properly disposed of.

Mayor Buttigieg concluded by thanking the Qala Primary School headteacher, as well as the participating pupils and divers for lending a hand in this activity.

One of the divers who took part in the activity, Mr Ivan Cefai, spoke about the particular beauty of the seas surrounding Hondoq Bay and gave out some statistics about the time required by certain waste to degrade when thrown into the open sea.

To view comments and photo, go to http://gozonews.com/featured/qala-local-council-organised-clean-up-at-hondoq-bay/

Il-Kunsill Lokali tal-Qala mhux se jippartecipa fil-process ta’ konsultazzjoni

2009-10-26T18:18:00.002+01:00

Pubblikata fuq it-Torca nhar il-Hadd 25 ta' Ottubru, 2009 minn Victor Vella.

Il-Kunsill Lokali tal-Qala kiteb lill-Awtorità tal-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar (MEPA) u infurmahom li l-kunsill lokali mhux se jippartecipa fl-ebda process ta’ konsultazzjoni sakemm ma jkollux f’idejh kopja finali tar-rapport tat-traffiku li qed jithejja.

F’ittra li nkitbet mis-Sindku tal-Qala, Paul Buttigieg u li t-Torca ghandha kopja, titlob li d-data tal-laqgha pubblika fuq il-progett ta’ Hondoq ir-Rummien tigi ffissata wara li jitlesta ir-rapport dwar it-traffiku u wara li jkun evalwat mill-kunsill. Din it-talba ma æietx accettata mill-MEPA.

Il-kunsill fir-risposta tieghu lill-MEPA qal li “dan mhux accettabbli u l-kunsill mhux lest li jippartecipa fl-ebda process ta’ konsultazzjoni sakemm ma jkollux f’idejh kopja finali tar-rapport dwar it-traffiku. Dawn il-mizuri qeghdin jigu mehuda ghax bhala rapprezentanti tar-residenti Qalin, qatt ma nistghu immorru ghall-laqgha pubblika mihghajr ma nkunu nafu l-impatt tat-traffiku fuq it-toroq tal-lokalità taghna. Aktar u aktar meta nafu mill-figuri, li t-traffiku fil-lokalità mhux biss se jirdoppja imma f’certi cirkostanzi se jittrippla.”

L-ittra tal-kunsill tghid li “bizzejjed nghidlek li meta analizzajna id-draft tar-rapport tal-impatt tat-traffiku, l-istharrig u l-analizi li saret qatt ma kkonsidraw ic-centru tal-lokal fejn l-aktar li qed nahsbu li jista’ jkun hemm impatt u lanqas gew ikkunsidrati t-toroq dojoq li jinsab fic-centru tal-Qala b’wisa’ ta’ 4.4 metri. F’dawn ic-cirkostanzi, l-Kunsill Lokali ma jista’ qatt jaffronta lir-residenti minghajr ma jaf minn fejn se jghaddi it-traffiku, x’impatt se jkollu fuq it-toroq u r-residenti u jekk hemmx alternattivi.”

Il-Kunsill Lokali qal li “ghaldaqstant jekk il-process tal-laqgha pubblika se jibqa’ ghaddej kif ippjanat minghajr ma ahna ikollna kopja f’idejna tar-rapport dwar it-traffiku, il-kunsill lokali mhux lest li jattendi ghal din il-laqgha pubblika.”

Fl-ittra lic-Cermen tal-MEPA, is-Sindku tal-Qala jghid li “ktibt lilek ghax lil kull min kellimt filwaqt li qablu li ghandna ragun, qaluli li din id-decizjoni gejja min fuq. Filwaqt li nittama li tifhem li dan il-progett se jhalli impatt fuq il-Qala u l-Qalin kollha b’mod partikolari t-traffiku, nittama li t-talba taghna tigi mhux biss ikkunsidrata izda fuq kollox milqugha.”

Fl-ahhar jiem, studenti li llum qeghdin fir-raba’ sena tal-kors tal-arkitettura fl-Università ta’ Malta, hejjew pjanti u pjani ta’ kif jista’ jsir progett f’Hondoq ir-Rummien minghajr ma jithassar l-ambjent u fuq kollox il-post jibqa’ gawdut minn kulhadd u mhux minn ftit nies biss.

Hondoq ir-Rummien designs

2009-10-25T12:16:00.001+01:00

Published on The Malta Independent on Sunday on 25th October, 2009 by Joseph Borg.

The article by Annaliza Borg that dealt with the design for Hondoq ir-Rummien paid worthy tribute to three young architecture students (TMIS, 18 October).

It so happened that I actually did see the projects myself, and especially appreciated the extremely lovely posters they had prepared. Unfortunately, I am more than sure that the monetary award they received did not cover all the expenses they incurred. I also hope that their designs will not be hijacked by someone who will get a hefty six per cent commission minimum.

If anything, such projects should be put on hold until these students graduate and can take charge of the project.

Ħondoq through the eyes of students

2009-10-24T17:33:00.001+02:00

Published on The Times of Malta on Monday 19th OCtober, 2009 by Fiona Galea Debono.

The future of Gozo’s Ħondoq ir-Rummien may still be in the balance but if it were up to a bunch of architecture students, it would be turned into an innovative nature park, complete with a submerged kiosk, an imaginative use of the quarries – and no yacht marinas.

The merging of water, heritage and nature was the driving force behind the design of three fourth-year students, the recipients of the Julian Manduca Award for the Sustainable Development of Rural Areas.

They have made it a point not to build over existing resources but to use the quarries, creating a spiral Guggenheim-style ramp in one, ensconced in a perforated nest on which vegetation can grow abundantly.

The award is the initiative of environment NGO Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar in synergy with the university and the Qala local council. FAA and the University chose the setting, in this case Ħondoq ir-Rummien, and architecture students submitted their proposals for the site – which is subject to a real development application for a yacht marina strongly opposed by environment groups.

The winners of the prize, Joseph Galea, Nicky Psaila Savona and Zack Xuereb Conti know the site inside out, having visited it regularly for a year. Their plans may not materialise but they offer an “eye opener for possibilities, even just taking elements of it”. They have steered clear of the “common way of making profit in Malta – through bulky construction”, considering the site from the environmental and social aspect, and how money can be generated from that. The area is geared up for a number of activities, including diving, boċċi and even folk entertainment near a rehabilitated fort.

The project is complete with dampers to counter the waves and underwater fins to collect energy from the currents to use on the site.

“These technologies exist and work – they are not just there for show,” the future architects explained.

A second award, the Tony Attard Award for Urban Conservation Area Projects, which focuses on conservation, has still to be awarded. Students have come up with some innovative ideas to clean up Valletta, including the shop fronts by the use of identical signage and matching canopies. The law courts have been redesigned; shopping arcades have been spruced up and are looking uniform; while the development of inaccessible dead roof space is considered “a revived resource”.

Old façades cover contemporary interiors and a fashion house plays with the lacy effect of wrought-iron grills, typical of the city, while retaining its architectural idiom.

An exhibition with the projects of the students for those for Ħondoq ir-Rummien and Valletta is being held at the Heritage Malta offices in Merchants Street, Valletta and will run till Wednesday.

To vies the comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20091019/local/hondoq-through-the-eyes-of-students

University students design alternatives to Hondoq’s yacht marina

2009-10-24T17:28:00.001+02:00

Published on www.maltastar.com on 21st October, 2009.

Fourth year University students have designed alternatives to the Hondoq Ir Rummien yacht marina project.

The alternatives include a nature park with a submerged kiosk … well, anything but a yacht marina.

The project is in collaboration with the University of Malta, Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Moviment Harsien Hondoq and the Local Council of Qala.

Paul Buttigieg, Qala local councilor said: “This project was aimed at creating awareness for our heritage, so that it can be enjoyed by both the locals and the tourists.”

Astrid Vella, FAA coordinator said: “FAA wished to do something positive to the country and set up these awards in conjunction with the university. The awards are aimed at making tomorrow’s architects sensitive to the particular needs of these areas.

The winners of the Julian Manduca Award for the Sustainable Development of Rural Areas award are: Joseph Galea, Nicky Psaila Savona and Zack Xuereb Conti.

To view the photos and comments, go to http://www.maltastar.com/pages/ms09dart.asp?a=4934

University students provide design solution for Hondoq

2009-10-24T17:24:00.002+02:00

Published on www.gozonews.com on 22nd October, 2009.

Architecture awards set up by Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) in conjunction with the University Architecture Department are sensitising tomorrow’s architects to the particular needs of rural and historic areas. “FAA wanted to create something positive that would contribute to the nation so they set up the Julian Manduca Award for sustainable development of rural areas and the Tony Mifsud award for urban conservation projects” explained Sir Martin Laing, opening the award ceremony on behalf of FAA.

The award programme included lectures on subjects that students would not otherwise have been exposed to like beach management as well as the chance to work on ‘real’ rather than theoretical projects, providing sustainable alternatives to current problems. In fact the rural award required students to design a nature park at Hondoq ir-Rummien as an alternative to a commercial touristic and yacht marina project. “Unfortunately in Malta many people think that architecture does not contribute to a healthy environment,” said Professor Denis de Lucca, head of the Architecture Department “however with careful planning and ‘good manners’ in architecture, this is not the case.”

Paul Buttigieg, Qala local councillor stated that the Hondoq ir-Rummien project sponsored by Qala Local Council with the collaboration of Moviment Harsien Hondoq, was aimed at creating awareness for local environment and heritage, so that it can be enjoyed by both locals and tourists. Although the project seems very innovative as it includes a submerged bar, zero-emission transport and many other novel features, it is in fact very practical and each of its modules is possible to implement.

The Tony Mifsud award is focussed on Valletta where the students faced the challenge of converting an old building for contemporary uses like a gym, library, media centre or fashion expo house. The students also had to produce designs to create a harmonious uniformity for different blocks of shop fronts on Republic Street, another project where the Local Council can actually use the students’ ideas. As in the Hondoq project, great emphasis has been laid on energy efficiency and access for the disabled.

While the Valletta project has not yet been adjudicated, the winners of the Julian Manduca Award Joseph Galea, Nicky Psaila Savona and Zack Xuereb Conti all commented favourably on the fact that the award gave them the chance to interact with clients like the Qala Local Council and Qala residents, while also giving them the opportunity to deal with the media and show their work to potential future employers. The Architecture Awards have also been supported by the US Embassy which donated books to the University Architecture Department while Heritage Malta kindly hosted the student’s project exhibition.

To view the comments, go to http://gozonews.com/featured/university-students-provide-design-solution-for-hondoq/

Students design nature park for Hondoq ir-Rummien

2009-10-18T16:33:00.002+02:00

Published on the Malta Independent on Sunday 18th October, 2009 by Annaliza Borg.

Three students following the architecture and urban design course at the University of Malta have won the Julian Manduca Award for Sustainability with their idea for an architectural project at Hondoq ir-Rummien, Qala.

Joseph Galea, Nicky Psaila Savona and Zack Xuereb Conti planned to turn the run down site into a nature park, incorporating the natural environment and social and heritage aspects. They believe that the quarry could be turned into a nature park after being properly cleared.

Other projects are currently waiting adjudication for the Tony Mifsud Award for Urban Conservation, for which students were given the challenge of tidying up and unifying shop fronts in Republic Street, Valletta.

Hondoq ir-Rummien was a very controversial subject, as a proposed project for the area was described as having a considerable negative impact on the environment. The Hondoq ir-Rummien site stretches from the disused quarry, located to the north, down to the derelict concrete wharf and encompasses the adjacent public sandy beach.

The award was made possible by Flimkien ghall-Ambjent Ahjar in collaboration with the Architecture and Urban Design Department and Qala Local Council. Moviment Harsien Hondoq, Nature Trust and the Ramblers Association also contributed to studies on the area, while the US embassy sponsored the award by donating books to the Architecture and Urban Design Department.

The students came up with a master plan to turn the quarry into a landscaped park and erect a hostel, a submerged kiosk and a heritage trail. A water garden, a splash pond and a water sports area would be included and the public area would be increased.

Flagstones quarried from site, a treated steel structure enclosed in lightweight mesh and recycled material would be among the resources used. The plan is to run the site by totally sustainable means, including solar energy and wind scoop ventilation. Natural spring water will be diverted to create a pond and drinking water fountains.

The park is in a spiral form to be accessible to everyone and afford maximum views. It would be totally accessible to disabled people, including the visually impaired, and zero-emission transport and the use of bicycles will be encouraged.

A forestation project using carob, olive, pomegranate, prickly pear and fig trees, as well as caper bushes, is envisaged. The site has been planned around water, heritage and nature, while keeping in mind the needs of local residents as well as the social and economic benefits.

The intention of the project was for students to think beyond the theoretical aspect. However, it could well become a reality in the future.

Ultimately it serves as an eye opener for developers but even parts of it can be carried out.

‘Biased’ report gives thumbs-up to Hondoq project

2009-10-02T20:06:00.002+02:00

Published on MaltaToday on Sunday, 27th September, 2009 by James Debono.

‘Yes to the Hondoq ir-Rummien Yacht Marina’. So ran the title to the summary of an environmental impact statement for the controversial Hondoq ir-Rummien marina, in Gozo.

Like this obvious title, several comments on the impact report compiled by Environment Management Design Planning (EMDP) have been removed after MEPA Natural Heritage Panel deemed them to be “biased” in favour of the marina project.

The report was prepared for Gozo Prestige Holidays Ltd, which wants to develop a marina, hotel and tourist complex in a derelict quarry at Hondoq.

MEPA’s natural heritage panel claimed EMDP’s statement had shown “a certain bias in [its] remarks,” referring specifically to the title of the non-technical summary which was deemed to be “most inappropriate” by the Panel.

The report claimed that the project “cannot and indeed should not be hidden” and that its visual impact would be “positive if all mitigation measures are strictly put in place”.

But the panel said such comments were “purely subjective opinions which have no place in an EIA report.”

In another section, the report recommended “a good public relations exercise” when it comes to dealing with mega-project’s visual impact.

The panel again said the suitability of such comments in an EIA report were “dubious”.

The panel’s objections later led EMDP to remove “comments which could possibly be interpreted as biased”.

But they defended themselves from the accusation of being biased insisting that their assessment was independent and conformed to international standards.

“Nevertheless it is important to note that impacts are to be assessed and a certain amount of judgement in such interpretation has to be involved,” the EIS coordinator replied. They also claimed that any such judgements were based on the conclusion of scientific reports.

The EIS was finalized in 2007 but is still being reviewed by MEPA. The natural heritage panel has however declared that, from a strictly natural heritage aspect, the negative impact of the project “outweighs the positive aspects.”

It warned that the project would generate large quantities of construction waste due to excavation, for which no disposal space was available in Gozo.

But it welcomed the fact that the quarry will be rehabilitated. “From a land-use point of view, the project will take up land which has already been damaged by quarrying, and if such a project is deemed indispensable for Gozo, it would be preferable to locate it on an already degraded site.”

However, it said the option of filling the disused quarry with the construction waste was only “superficially explored in the EIS”. On their part the consultants claimed that using the quarry to dump inert waste will increase the risk of dust being blown in to the sea.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2009/09/27/t9.html

Where has all this clutter come from?

2009-07-16T16:58:00.001+02:00

Published on www.maltastar.com by James A. Tyyrell.

The news that the Hondoq quay repair saga seems to have come to an end is welcome news for everyone especially the people who enjoy using the area so much. The Gatt brothers did a good job and as I said before they are to be congratulated, but it now appears that Hondoq has another problem.

I was with friends last night who have just returned from a holiday in Gozo and I had particularly asked them to pay a visit to Hondoq and take some photographs for me. I have included one of these photographs with this letter. It shows plastic deck chairs, umbrellas, signs for boat trips etc all over the area, which has just been repaired.

What doesn’t show in this photo but which my friends have told me about is a speedboat moored at the area of quay, which was repaired and big signs on the railings for boat trips to Comino, which obstruct the view. So where has all this clutter come from? Well it belongs to the people who run the kiosk at Hondoq. I’m told that at night the area around the kiosk contains several boats a caravan, canoes, banana boats, vans, cars etc. Now I know this person is trying to make a living here but when it gets to the stage that it is taking over the whole area then it becomes a problem.

My friends asked some people in the area if he was allowed to do this and were told that he didn’t have a licence and had been told by the Qala Mayor to remove the items from the quay. Apparently he tried to set up his deck chairs and umbrellas on the beach but the guy who already does this on the beach threw him off. Actually the guy who threw him off the beach doesn’t have a licence either!

They were also told that a lot of people were bringing caravans down to the bay, which were taking, up a lot of space. It seems that every person with a caravan stakes out their own little territory, which they seem to think is their personal property. Actually one of the guys who plonks his caravan in the area is from Qala, a big supporter of the developers who want to destroy the area and is campaigning day and night for the Qala creek project! Someone should point out to him that where he puts his caravan would be under water if the marina goes ahead.

I think its time that the ministry first of all come clean regarding their intentions for the Hondoq area. The Minister for Gozo has in the past shown her support for this environmental rape project. Is this still the case or is she going to throw her weight behind the people she is supposed to be representing? It is also time that the Ministry took the area back for the people as it is obvious that what is happening there now is becoming abusive. The Maltese have a saying that you offer someone a finger and they take the whole hand, which seems very appropriate in this case.

To view comments, go to http://www.maltastar.com/pages/ms09dart.asp?a=2913

A job well done at Ħondoq ir-Rummien

2009-07-03T22:58:00.001+02:00

Published on the Times of Malta on Tuesday 30th June, 2009 by David Carter.

I read James Tyrell's comments regarding the Ħondoq repairs with interest and it is always good to keep a weather eye on the progress of such works. However if Mr Tyrell were here he would, I am sure, be able to deduce that the area where any crane would have to be situated in order to lift the very sizeable boulders out of the water is precisely the area of the hole!

Obviously the new concreting works had to be completed and the concrete sufficiently "cured" before being subjected to the weight of the crane. As I write, the boulders are being cleared from the water and the area will soon be safe again. So "well done" to the contractors who, once having started the job, actually got on and finished and thank you to Mr Tyrell for keeping Ħondoq in our minds.

To view the comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090630/letters/a-job-well-done-at-hondoq-ir-rummien

Hondoq quay repaired

2009-07-03T22:57:00.001+02:00

Published on the Times of Malta on Friday 26th June, 2009.

Repair works on the quay at popular Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay in Gozo are being completed, six months after part of the structure collapsed in a storm.

To view photos and comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090626/local/hondoq-quay-repaired

Repairs at Hondoq Bay finalised – Ministry for Gozo

2009-07-03T22:53:00.002+02:00

Published on www.gozonews.com on Wednesday 1st July, 2009.

The Ministry for Gozo has announced that following the considerable damage suffered by Hondoq Bay in Gozo, due to the heavy storms that hit the Maltese islands during the past winter, the Ministry coordinated a programme of repair works that were finalised in the past days.

Large boulders, carried in by the waves, were removed from the seabed next to the quay from where swimmers jump into the sea.

The Ministry said that extensive works were carried out by architects and workers from the Department of Projects and Development within the Ministry for Gozo as well as services rendered by contractors.

Then, as soon as weather conditions permitted, workers from the Ministry's department cleared large rocks and other material that had been washed ashore. Whilst evaluating the damage those in charge also coordinated the repair works programme.

A public tender was issued in relation to the removal of large boulders from the seabed that were potentially dangerous for swimmers, whilst another call was issued for the filling of a deep hole which had been inflicted in the middle of the quay.

The Department for Projects and Development took care of layering works as well as surfacing works after the contractor had filled the rapture in the quay.

Thus, the Ministry concluded, following the removal of boulders from the seabed this bay may be once again enjoyed by the public. One must note that repair works were hindered by the heavy rainfall and storms that persisted throughout the first months of this year. This notwithstanding, works have been finalised by the start of the summer season, whilst
precautions for the safety and comfort of the general public were continuously ensured.

To view photos and comments, go to http://gozonews.com/featured/repairs-at-hondoq-bay-finalised-ministry-for-gozo/

The ‘almost’ completed repair work at Hondoq

2009-06-24T19:24:00.001+02:00

Published on www.gozonews.com on 22nd June, 2009.

I have just received photographs from a friend on Gozo of the 'almost' completed repair work at Hondoq. I think the Gatt brothers should be congratulated for the quick and efficient way in which they carried out this work and cannot be held in any way responsible for the 6 months it took to get it done.

What I found disturbing about these photographs was a sign reading, 'Danger Works in Progress, No diving until clearing works are completed'. Are we now looking at another 6 months to get the boulders removed from the diving area? Can the Ministry for Gozo guarantee that the children who love jumping into the water at this point are going to take any notice of the sign?

I should point out that the information I have is that the tender received by the Gatt brothers did not include the removal of these boulders. Can I ask the Ministry why? Wouldn't it have made more sense to have both jobs completed at the same time? Just a thought but it would seem to make sense that if you have boulders to remove and a hole to fill the jobs may complement each other!

To view comments, go to http://gozonews.com/letters/the-%e2%80%98almost%e2%80%99-completed-repair-work-at-hondoq/

Major repairs at Hondoq ir-Rummien almost complete

2009-06-24T19:21:00.002+02:00

Published on www.gozonews.com on 21st June, 2009.

The major part of the extensive damage at Hondoq, which occurred during the severe winter storms in January, has finally been completed.

The work was carried out speedily and efficiently by a local contractor, who finished the major works in just over a week.

Local government workers then carried out the task of putting down the top layer of cement, which again was finished speedily and efficiently.

However, the work of removing the rocks from the sea below the pier has still to be carried out and a sign has been erected, warning visitors of the danger of diving into the sea.

As we are now well into the tourist season, it is to be hoped that the authorities will ensure that this danger is also removed as speedily and efficiently.

To view the comments, go to http://gozonews.com/featured/major-repairs-at-hondoq-ir-rummien-almost-completed/

Alternattiva għall-proġett mostruż propost għal Ħondoq ir-Rummien:Għandu jinbidel f’park nazzjonali – il-Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq

2009-06-05T18:43:00.001+02:00

Pubblikata fuq l-Orizzont nhar l-Erbgha 3 ta' Gunju, 2009.

Il-Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq jaqbel u jsostni l-proposta li ħarġet biha l-għaqda Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, fis-sens il-Gvern imissu juża fondi tal-Unjoni Ewropea biex jixtri mingħand sidien privati raba’ li dawn għandhom jagħmel parti minn siti storiċi kif ukoll art ħadra u miftuħa fejn il-poplu jista’ jieħu nifs bħalma huwa Ħondoq ir-Rummien.

Ħaġa bħal din diġà saret fil-Qala fl-1937, fi żmien Sir Temi Zammit, meta l-Gvern xtara l-għalqa li fiha l-ġebla l-wieqfa. (menħir)

Intqal li l-proġett monstruż propost għal Ħondoq ir-Rummien, li jinkludi bini ta’ seba’ u disa’ sulari mal-ġnub tal-wied, lukanda u marina għall-jottijiet, jikkontradixxi il-viżjoni tant pubbliċizzata tal-Gvern biex Għawdex ikun Gżira Ekoloġika. Dan il-proġett iħassar waħda mill-karatteristiċi ta’ Għawdex li tant tiġbed lejha Maltin u turisti.

Fuq inizjattiva ta’ Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, il-Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq flimkien mal-Kunsill Lokali tal-Qala taw l-appoġġ tagħhom biex tnediet kompetizzjoni fost l-istudenti periti tat-tielet sena tal-Università ta’ Malta fejn se jissottomettu pjanti bl-ideat żgħażagħ tagħhom, sew tad-distillatur żdingat kif ukoll taż-żona mitluqa tal-barriera f’Ħondoq ir-Rummien biex jinbidel f’park nazzjonali. B’hekk dan il-post ikun jista’ jitgawda minn kul-ħadd.

Ta’ min wieħed jinnota li sal-2002 l-art inkwistjoni kienet għadha f’idejn il-Gvern u kienu diġà saru pjani mill-Kunsill Lokali tal-Qala biex isir park nazzjonali. Fil-pjan lokali għal Għawdex li sar fl-2006 Ħondoq ir-Rummien inbidel minn żona ta’ rikreazzjoni għal waħda ta’ żvilupp minn wara dahar kulħadd. Saret ukoll referenza għar-referendum li sar fil-Qala fejn 85% ivvotaw kontra dan il-proġett. Ta’ min wieħed jinnota ukoll li meta kien ippubblikat l-EIS, dan il-proġett kellu l-akbar ammont ta’ ‘registered objectors’ fl-istorja tal-MEPA.

Għalhekk il-Moviment Ħarsien Ħondoq ma jistax jifhem kif proġett li ser joħloq tant dannu għal din il-parti t’Għawdex, kif ukoll għandu tant nies joġġezzjonaw kontrih, se jibqa’ jiġi proċessat mill-MEPA.

Save Hondoq supports FAA on use of EU funds

2009-06-02T07:33:00.001+02:00

Published on www.maltastar.com and www.gozonews.com on 30th May, 2009.

Moviment Harsien Hondoq (the Save Hondoq Movement) agrees with and supports the proposal of Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar (FAA) urging the authorities to use EU funds in order to purchase from landowners, heritage sites and ‘green lungs’ which were of vital importance to the cultural heritage, health and well-being of local residents, one such site being Hondoq ir-Rummien.

Something similar has already occurred in Qala in 1937 during Sir Temi Zammit’s time, where the government bought land with a Menhir on it.

The Hondoq creek project which includes buildings seven and nine storeys up the valley side, hotel and yacht marina does not fit in with government’s much publicized vision of Gozo Eco-Island. Such over-development can only harm Gozo’s image as an unspoilt touristic destination and put off tourists.

On FAA’s initiative, together with the support of Moviment Harsien Hondoq and the Qala Local Council, an award has been launched for the University of Malta’s third year architectural students to draw up creative plans for the abandoned water distillation plant and also the neglected quarry in the Hondoq ir-Rummien area to be transformed into a national park. With such an initiative everyone would be able to enjoy this area which would draw far more tourists to Gozo than a mega-project.

It is to be noted that up until 2002 the land in question was still in Government’s hands and plans were already made by the Qala Local Council to make a national park. In the 2006 Gozo Local Plan, the Hondoq area was changed from a recreational area to a development zone. We would like to highlight the fact that a referendum was held in Qala where 85% voted against this project. Another point is that when the EIS was published, this project had the largest number of registered objectors in MEPA’s history.

Therefore we cannot understand how this harmful project which has so many objectors is still being processed by MEPA.

To view comments, go to http://environment.maltastar.com/pages/ms09dart.asp?a=2227 and http://gozonews.com/featured/save-hondoq-supports-faa-on-use-of-eu-funds/

Why spoil it with the effluent of a yacht marina?

2009-06-02T07:29:00.002+02:00

Published on www.gozonews.com on Sunday 31st May, 2009 by Rita Said.

Hondoq is one of the bays with the cleanest, limpid sea in all Malta and Gozo.

Why spoil it with the effluent of a yacht marina?

Even the developers' report says the beach will be negatively affected and anyone who says otherwise doesn't know what they are saying.

How many people do you see swimming near marinas in Malta?

Another yacht marina might be good for Gozo, but Hondoq was not even included in Mepa's list of possible sites for new yacht marinas. Even the latest report that the government has done suggested that Mgarr Harbour should be extended for a yacht marina, as it makes no sense to spoil such a clean bay when there are others which are already not so clean.

It only makes sense to the developers. The acceptance of this project would mean that developers have more power than Mepa.

Gozitan tourism and employment needs more greenery to attract tourists, not more buildings to put them off. Many hotels already employ foreign staff, so any jobs this project would create would not necessarily help Gozitan unemployment.

There is also no guarantee that the villas and apartments would not eventually be sold to Maltese. Allowing the building of a whole village Outside Devevelopment Zone would open up all Gozo's unspoilt coasts to development and really spell the end of its unique appeal.

Hands off Hondoq!
Thank you,
Rita Said

To view whole article and comments, go to http://gozonews.com/featured/why-spoil-it-with-the-effluent-of-a-yacht-marina/

Il-Gvern mitlub jixtri siti storiċi mill-privat

2009-05-26T21:14:00.000+02:00

Pubblikata fuq l-Orizzont nhar t-Tnejn 25 ta' Mejju, 2009.

L-għaqda ambjentali Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) qiegħda tħeġġeġ lill-Gvern biex juża fondi mill-UE ħalli bihom jixtri mingħand sidien privati siti storiċi u ġonna fil-qalba tal-ibliet u l-irħula li jagħtu nifs lill-istess lokalitajiet.

Fost is-siti li FAA qiegħda tħeġġeġ li jiġu salvati għall-ġid tar-residenti tal-madwar hemm Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Wied il-Għasel, spazju pubbliku f’Wied il-Għajn u Villa Bonici f’Tas-Sliema (ritratt). L-appell tal-għaqda sar wara li hi ħarġet tfaħħar lil Heritage Malta tad-deċiżjoni li tixtri biċċa art mibnija viċin it-Tempji ta’ Skorba fl-Imġarr fejn hemm tempji mhux daqstant magħrufa. L-art li xtrat il-Heritage Malta diġà kellha l-permess biex tinbena.

FAA praises Heritage Malta, slams MEPA, over Skorba temples

2009-05-24T16:54:00.002+02:00

Published on The Times of Malta on Saturday 23rd May, 2009.

The environment NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar has welcomed a decision by Heritage Malta to buy land adjacent Skorba Temples in Mgarr on which development permits had been issued.

It however slammed MEPA for not having protected the temples in the first place by creating a buffer zone around them.

“While certainly a positive development, this is also something of a desperate and costly solution, especially as once this highly irregular permit was issued, Heritage Malta had to compensate the landowners at commercial rates” Astrid Vella, FAA coordinator, said in a statement.

“If MEPA’s policies for protecting monuments and respecting the same buffer zones designated by MEPA itself were working properly, then the money could have gone into restoration and interpretation of these historical sites.

"We are very grateful to Heritage Malta for intervening in this way although it reflects how poorly our historical environment is defended by the very Authority that has a duty to safeguard national heritage,” she said.

She said that the FAA was once again calling for the activation of MEPA’s Heritage Fund which was intended specifically for the purchase and upkeep of listed buildings or neighbouring land, in order to ensure the maintenance, restoration, or preservation of Malta’s archaeological and architectural heritage.

The authorities could also use EU funds in order to purchase from landowners, heritage sites and 'green lungs' which were of vital importance to the cultural heritage, health and well-being of local residents but which were currently under threat, such as those at Hondoq ir-Rummien, Wied il-Ghasel, Villa Bonici in Sliema and the Marsascala public open space.

To view comments, go to http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090523/local/faa-praises-heritage-malta-slams-mepa-over-skorba-temples

Words of wisdom

2009-05-21T21:30:00.001+02:00

Published on The Malta Independent on Thursday 21st May 2009 by James A. Tyrrell.

More words of wisdom from the Parliamentary secretary for tourism Mario de Marco (Restaurants must be more price conscious, TMID, 15 May). Obviously the solution to attracting more tourists is not to do something as silly as reducing VAT in restaurants, but to keep pumping the high rates of VAT into the government’s pockets. Oh and don’t forget the proposed extra tax which they are proposing should be paid nightly by tourists.

And another gem, village cores should be made traffic free. What a great idea. Let’s inconvenience the local people and tourists alike! It’s hard sometimes to remember that this is the person who is supposed to be working on behalf of tourists like myself.

If you want to create extra revenue for the government coffers, Dr de Marco, then tax properties which are lying empty year in and year out. If property speculators suddenly realise that they will have to pay for all the ugly shells that are littering the country then perhaps they will spend the time and money to fix them up and put them to use.

As for attracting tourists to Malta and Gozo, the infrastructure to do that is already in place in the history and environmental beauty of the country, coupled with the friendliness of its people. Protect that infrastructure by going up against the developers who want to destroy it. Dismantle that ugly structure at Dwejra which is an ugly scar on an otherwise beautiful area. If you want to know what to do with it you could always dump it just off shore and create an artificial reef.

Or perhaps you could kill two birds with one stone and dump it in the hole in the quay at Hondoq. These are both important tourist destinations which you should be concentrating on putting right. If you don’t protect the tourist infrastructure then what will you have left to market?

The fastest job ever done in Gozo

2009-05-12T07:48:00.001+02:00

Published on www.gozonews.com by James A. Tyrrell.

When I was a lot younger than I am today I can remember hearing the song, 'The Fastest Milkman in The West' sung by the famous Benny Hill. If Benny were still alive today he would have the chance to write a new song called, 'The Fastest Painter in Gozo'.

This week someone decided to write a message to the authorities regarding the damage in Hondoq ir-Rummien. The bright orange message read 'EU MONEY IN YOUR POCKETS' and would you believe that within a few hours the message was painted over with black paint by public employees. Everyone was really surprised with the efficiency.

Don't get me wrong I am not agreeing with vandalism, however what amazes me is that when there is propaganda against the Gozitan authorities everything is done very fast to remove it. But when half the quay is lying in the sea, leaving a hole you could lose Benny's milk float in, and the seabed is covered in large boulders they couldn't care less.

If the painter who carried out this express task ever changes his job and takes up construction and repair work the island of Gozo will be a much better place for everyone. I wonder if his name is Ernie?

To vies the comments, go to http://gozonews.com/featured/the-fastest-job-ever-done-in-gozo-readers-letter/

Does the Government care, obviously not?

2009-05-03T13:22:00.002+02:00

Published on http://www.gozonews.com/ by James A. Tyrrell.

The news that the Maltese Government predicted a deficit of €68 million for 2008 but that by the time the budget was announced in November the deficit had reached €200 million seems to have escaped widespread comment. Even more worryingly, in the first quarter of this year, the government deficit has soared to €256 million, almost equal to the €266 million deficit in the whole of last year.

In such a situation, it is inevitable that decisions on the funding of projects are bound to be affected, however one hopes that the tourist industry, the most important contributor to the economy, will be given all the support it needs, especially in the light of the falling numbers reported at the airport and in hotels and retail outlets.

Given this dire financial situation one would think that the Government would be doing everything it could to enhance the prospects of the tourist industry, but instead they choose to turn a blind eye. Take the current situation at Hondoq where half the quay has collapsed into the sea. Not only is this an eyesore to prospective tourists, but also a great safety issue as children do not see this sort of thing as dangerous but as an adventure. Yet the Government so far have did nothing other than make the area more dangerous by setting blocks around it.

If we move around the coast to Dwejra we find the ill conceived rusted concrete structure that still graces the top of the hill leading down to the Inland Sea. How does this look to tourists? How will it look to the judges in the New 7 Wonders contest if the Azure Window gets to that stage? Does the Government care, obviously not?

What they do seem to care about however is spending €80 million on a new Parliament House. Given the present economic climate and this rather large deficit I would have thought that the last thing on the Government's mind would be splashing out €80 million on a new Parliament building. Wouldn't it be more feasible, given that the capital is littered with old abandoned buildings, to utilise one of these as the new Parliament House?

This would have the effect of regenerating an otherwise unused building at a greatly reduced cost to building a new one. The funds left over from the €80 million might then go towards the construction of a performing arts centre at the site of the old Opera House which would at least generate fresh income by attracting cultural tourists to Malta, something a new Parliament building would never do.

What hope is there for an eco island concept?

2009-04-26T13:30:00.002+02:00

Published on www.gozonews.com by James A. Tyrrell.

I have just been reading about the government's decision to scrap Gozo's eco pilot project for public transport. Now why doesn't this surprise me? As AD have already stated its okay if the Government to steal their ideas but you would think they would at least have the decency to implement them. As I have said in the past the Eco Gozo thing was something thought up before the last election in order to catch a few votes. Since that time nothing has been done.

We only have to look at the state of Hondoq ir-Rummien to see how much the Government care about Gozo. If that were not enough what about the rusted concrete eyesore at Dwejra. And if more evidence were required we must remember the proposal for the total destruction of Hondoq by the building of a marina complex and the idea of building an airstrip on the island to service the rich boys with their big toys.

Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, against the wishes of the vast majority of Gozitans, Maltese and tourists, supports both of the above ideas. What hope is there for an eco island concept when the minister responsible for the island is so obviously against it?

To view comments, go to http://gozonews.com/letters/what-hope-is-there-for-an-eco-island-concept/

Emergency measures at Hondoq ir-Rummien

2009-04-26T12:16:00.001+02:00

Published on www.maltastar.com by James A. Tyrrell.

I have just been sent some photographs taken today at Hondoq ir-Rummien. It would appear that this is someone’s bright idea to deal with the situation on a short-term basis. The reality is that this if anything has made the situation even more dangerous.

There are signs up warning of the danger, but have the kids taken a blind bit of notice of these signs? Of course not, because they are kids and life is just one big game. I have photos taken last week showing a young lad swimming in this hole with no regard to the large slabs of concrete, which could fall at any time.

Does the Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono, because I’m sure she has been informed about the work being carried out here, think that this is a solution? Is a four high block wall going to keep the kids out? No it certainly is not. Giovanna let me tell you what is going to happen here. The kids are going to turn up and one by one these blocks are going to end up in the hole. Maybe one of the kids will go in for a swim and his friends will throw blocks in to splash him. That’s what kids do!

It is high time the Ministry stopped mucking around here and carried out an emergency repair of the quay on Health & Safety grounds before someone is killed. This is not a time for tenders, which on Malta and Gozo usually means jobs for friends; it is a time for action.

To view the comments, go to http://www.maltastar.com:80/pages/ms09dart.asp?a=1348