A petition launched last Friday against the building of a block of flats overlooking the Ġgantja temples and has so far gathered the support of 2,000 people, its organiser said. 

“I represent no entity or party.  I’m just an ordinary Joe.  My name is not important, and I’m not seeking any credit.  I just would like the PA to reconsider this decision,” he said in a statement. 

“Ġgantija is part of our identity, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the pride of a nation.  We have to protect it.”

The Planning Authority earlier this month approved an application that will see 22 apartments and 20 garages built on the edge of the Xagħra Development Zone, ignoring a request by UNESCO.

The issuing of the permit has raised concern, with the Coalition for Gozo and Din L-Art Helwa saying they are preparing to fight for the revocation of the permit. The development, they said, poses a very serious threat to the integrity of the temple complex and its buffer zone and fully justifying the public outcry.

Another NGO, Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar, is also raising funds to challenge the permit.

The petition may be signed here