From Mr J. Michael Mizzi

The whole area of Ta’ Cenc is teaming with archaeological artefacts such as the dolmens on the Gruwa ridge, the cart ruts at the cliffs that crisscross the whole area, and the temple and monoliths most of which have not yet been fully excavated. Not to mention the unique plants, such as the newly discovered Ta’ Cenc fern, that are only found there. The area is full of wildlife. There are also water pool shrimps and the whole area is covered with protected plant species such as the Maltese Wild Thyme. Is the government ready to bend the rules for a few and destroy this endemic and rare protected species? They mention replanting. Imagine replanting all the big wild thyme bushes in other places. It sounds like a sure recipe for disaster.

Sannat local council in partnership with another council sponsored the Heritage Superintendence for a dig at Mgarr ix-Xini. Roman artefacts were found that relate to the rock troughs found both on the Ta’ Cenc and Xewkija cliff sides. In terms of archaeology, the whole area needs to be protected so in time future generations could have a whole picture of what our ancestors achieved. Destroying one part of Ta’ Cenc could destroy the key for finding out why our ancestors did what they did.

It is imperative that the government legally declares the whole of Ta’ Cenc as a Special Area of Conservation for current and future generations. Failing to do so, or simply relying on a case officer’s recommendation for refusal, would be one of the black events that happened before the next legislation. Gozitans are not going to be cheated this time.

John Michael Mizzi

AD Councillor

SANNAT