From Mr M. Dixon

I have been visiting Gozo for the past 33 years, twice and more recently three and four times a year; I love the island dearly and consider it as a home from home.

Gozo has changed in many ways over these years especially more recently. The traffic congestion in Victoria, Mgarr, Marsalforn and Xlendi has increased dramatically. This, coupled with a great number of commercial outlets and flats popping up each year, has increased the urbanisation of this little island. The creation of open-air leisure areas will surely prevent further urban sprawl and preserve the rural aspect of Gozo.

I think that unfortunately tourism in Gozo has not developed according to any strategic plan but in a piecemeal manner rather than with the long-term objective of enhancement and sustainability.

With respect to the proposed establishment of a Heritage Park at Ta’ Cenc, I cannot understand why the authorities are not making the necessary decision to secure the future of this important site. It will create a sustainable tourist attraction that will enhance the Gozo visitor experience. It will contribute to the well being of the locals and help schoolchildren piece together the history of their island.

Having just retired from my job as principal engineer at the Planning Department of Surrey County council where I worked for the past 26 years, my great interest in Gozo affairs caused me to go through the various studies of the environmental impact assessment on the proposed Ta’ Cenc Project.

Having said the above, I must admit that when I first read about this project in the various media, I was horrified; I could not believe that this can happen to Ta’ Cenc. However, I soon learnt that most of the media information was less then factual. There was a lot more to the proposed development than new villas and an extension to the hotel. The most positive side, the Heritage Park, was rarely if ever mentioned.

I can honestly say that I breathed a sigh of relief and was exceedingly impressed with the extent and level of detail when I read through the Environmental Impact Statement. For these reports to have been prepared in the Maltese Islands is something of which to be proud.

Towards this end, I attended the public hearing held on 21 August, thinking that I will only find those who have been opposing this project and some media reporters who I think have been quite biased in their reports on this project.

I expected this since I have got to know the Gozitans quite well over the years and have found that they very rarely air their views openly.

I was really surprised when I got to the meeting to find the hall packed with Gozitans from all walks of life, and even more surprised to see that the majority were expressing their full support to this project openly and to be heard by everybody, something I have never experienced in Gozo before.

Going through the history of this project I was amazed to find that it has been under discussion for a good number of years. Do the authorities now want to see it come to fruition? If the authorities still have issues they should be raised immediately, dealt with, and approval given before, God forbid, the owners change their mind and give up the whole idea.

In my work I dealt with many major planning applications. Together with other colleagues we would negotiate with developers in order to get what was referred to as “planning gain”. That is the developer gets permission and the community gets a benefit.

Therefore in respect of this project, I was even more than pleased to discover that although this area is privately owned, as part of a larger scheme, the owners are offering to give up their rights to most of the land referred to as the Heritage Park. Furthermore, the developer is then not only going to protect the site but also fund the work necessary to create the park, and also fund the maintenance thereafter.

It should be noted by the environmentalists in particular that the developer has already removed a considerable number of bird trappers and hunters from this previously very popular site.

Is it possible that the authorities cannot visualise what a great loss it would be – especially to the locals – if this project does not materialise? Apart from the ongoing deterioration, the owners could decide to block all access to the site – as has happened I believe in some such privately owned areas in Malta.

For the sake of my great love and affection towards this island, which has greatly contributed towards many enjoyable holidays for my family and myself and friends, I appeal to all concerned not to let this golden opportunity be lost forever.

During my years at the Planning Department it was deemed impossible to approve a major project without creating any impact. The aim was always to minimise the impact and maximise the community benefit. This involves tradeoffs which, having assessed all the issues, sometimes even controversial ones and balancing conservation and development needs result in net benefit.

Sustainable development does not stop development but seeks measures that integrate development with environmental and cultural protection.

Remember this site is unique and therefore consideration must be given to the fact that such a park cannot be created elsewhere in Gozo (or Malta for that matter). To find such a large site in single private ownership where the owner is willing to give it, restore it and manage it can never be repeated in the Maltese archipelago.

The whole nation of the Maltese Islands stands to gain from this project and this without the government having to provide any funding. On the contrary, the government stands to gain, even financially, in the long term.

I appeal to all concerned not to let this once in a lifetime opportunity be lost forever, it will surely be a great pity and a great loss to Gozo.

Marshall Dixon

Walton on Thames

england