Farmers who till land in the area between Ghajn Rihana and Burmarrad are up in arms over an application by government to construct a gigantic 40-metre wide storm water canal through their fields, which they are claiming, will damage the rich alluvial soil in the area.

Speaking at a press conference on site, Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Harry Vassallo said that the original project submitted by the government was for the restoration of a storm water canal that had become blocked over the years. However, the application has now been changed to include extensive excavations that will end in a canal more than 40 metres wide made of precast concrete, he added.

Dr Vassallo said that this senseless project would destroy a large parcel of arable land and will also imperil livelihood of several farmers as the land is their only source of income on which their families depend. He said that the farmers who know the area well having farmed the land for generations are offering sensible solutions but still the government refuses to listen and is pressing ahead with the project.

Dr Vassallo said the Superintendance of Cultural Heritage had expressed reservations on the project due to the fact that the area had been used as a port in Roman times and excavation work could seriously affect if not destroy several priceless archeological artefacts. Apart from this, the canal will be situated just a metre away from a 19th century wall that should be conserved as part of our heritage, he added.

Dr Vassallo warned about the risk that the area could become another Marsa where priceless Roman remains were bulldozed over in the style that has now become routine in such projects. He called for a proper Environmental Impact Assessment to be conducted so that the unique countryside, which includes several structures such as farmhouses and rubble walls, can be preserved for the common good of all.