The natural beauty of Ramla Bay, which was described by the Times of London as one of the best beaches in Europe, is complemented by the natural landscape on both sides. On the Nadur side there is Rdum il-Kbir with Mixta Cave at the top. From this cave one can get a breathtaking view of Ramla Bay, Xaghra and Marsalforn. High up on the Xaghra side lies Calypso’s Cave, which is believed to have housed the nymph in Homer’s Odyssey. These two views together with the iridescent blue sea and the distinctive fiery orange colour of the sandy beach make Ramla Bay the best and most popular beach in the Maltese Islands.
All this natural splendour will be ruined by the proposed full development of the hilly slope below Calypso’s Cave (PA 07902/05), which will be discussed by the Mepa board today. About 40 “dwelling units with pools” are being planned. The phrase “dwelling units” is the modern euphemism for villas. This site had already been partially flawed by the building of a large villa which 25 years ago served as a reception hall and restaurant. For a number of years it has been abandoned and left to fall to pieces.
What was wrong 25 years ago is still wrong today and no building permits should have been allowed on this slope. During that time there was no Mepa safeguarding our environment but now one expects that Mepa has the sacrosanct duty to protect this landscape and the natural magnificence of Ramla Bay for future generations. Harm to the environment including the irreparable damage to the beauty surrounding Ramla Bay is inevitable if this madness is allowed.
Don’t we have limits to what extent we allow developers to build up every inch of land? Land developers are money minded businessmen and they don’t care about the natural charm of our island. We can’t loose, at all costs, the loveliness of Ramla Bay. This site is unique for various reasons and it should be left as it is. Any development in this area will be the worst environmental blemish our island will sustain. Please let us not kill the goose which lays the golden eggs. This proposal should be refused by Mepa board outright.
Mario Saliba
Nadur