On 12 July MEPA deposited a layer of soil at the site to replace that which had been illegally removed by the developer. However, MEPA did not first remove a layer of inert material which had illegally been put down as paving. MEPA also left in place a boundary wall which the developer had raised to an unauthorised height. Moreover, it has now emerged that MEPA only laid soil on about two thirds of the site, and the Action Group calls on MEPA to explain why.

The accompanying photograph shows the former field as restored by MEPA. The broken line indicates where the soil layer ends. People can judge for themselves to what extent this site has been, in MEPA’s words, “reverted to agricultural use”.

The Action Group cannot regard the case of the skip depot as resolved. It reiterates that MEPA should at least put additional soil to cover all the site and remove the illegal boundary wall.

The Save Wied Garnaw Action Group is not interested in criticising MEPA for its own sake. In fact the group gladly acknowledges that there are many conscientious staff at MEPA. The sole aim of the group is the preservation of Malta’s precious countryside, particularly Wied Garnaw.

MEPA needs to take thorough and decisive action, otherwise illegal developers will not be deterred. Suffice it to say that in Wied Garnaw alone the number of illegal developments has risen from 17 to 20 in the last four months.

On 12 July MEPA deposited a layer of soil at the site to replace that which had been illegally removed by the developer. However, MEPA did not first remove a layer of inert material which had illegally been put down as paving. MEPA also left in place a boundary wall which the developer had raised to an unauthorised height. Moreover, it has now emerged that MEPA only laid soil on about two thirds of the site, and the Action Group calls on MEPA to explain why.

The accompanying photograph shows the former field as restored by MEPA. The broken line indicates where the soil layer ends. People can judge for themselves to what extent this site has been, in MEPA’s words, “reverted to agricultural use”.

The Action Group cannot regard the case of the skip depot as resolved. It reiterates that MEPA should at least put additional soil to cover all the site and remove the illegal boundary wall.

The Save Wied Garnaw Action Group is not interested in criticising MEPA for its own sake. In fact the group gladly acknowledges that there are many conscientious staff at MEPA. The sole aim of the group is the preservation of Malta’s precious countryside, particularly Wied Garnaw.

MEPA needs to take thorough and decisive action, otherwise illegal developers will not be deterred. Suffice it to say that in Wied Garnaw alone the number of illegal developments has risen from 17 to 20 in the last four months.

Uncontrolled marine development

Last week a half-kilometre stretch of sea was filled with floating dead fish a few kilometers off Il-Hofriet. This phenomenon was observed by marine biologist Dr Adriana Vella, assisted by BICREF members during scientific marine surveys carried out around the Maltese Islands. If the sight of these thousands of dead fish was revolting, the stench was even worse.

BICREF is worried by the lack of inspections and effective implementation of measures to protect our marine environment. Meanwhile, it seems that its fears of having offshore development work without the necessary assessments, monitoring and action are confirmed to be a reality. These dead fish may be carriers of a disease that could spread to different marine organisms with wide-reaching impacts on our marine ecosystems and resources. For this reason it is hoped that this will be investigated by the relevent authorities.