The Planning Authority today said that excavation works that are being carried out in the vicinity of Għar Għerduf in Kercem, Gozo are closely being monitored by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH).

It was reacting to a statement by NGO Wirt Ghawdex, which claimed that the roman catacombsf found in the area were being seriously threatened by development and that the PA and the SCH “were turning a blind eye and condoning the destruction of this important site.”

“The Planning Authority 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 PA said. “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 said 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 Għar Għerduf catacombs which are in the vicinity.

“The Planning Authority 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.”