With reference to the letter sent to your paper by Lesley Kreupl of Gharb, the Ministry for Gozo would like to make the following clarifications.

The heavy rainfall and the bad weather that prevailed during the winter months were the cause of a landslide that blocked the path leading to Gordan Lighthouse. Apart from the debris that fell across the path, part of the cliff face also became unstable and is in danger of collapsing. The removal of the damaged cliff face posed the most difficult task to accomplish.

Contrary to what was implied in the letter, the Department of Projects and Development in the Ministry for Gozo took immediate action to rectify the situation. Warning signs, as clearly shown in the attached photo, were promptly affixed in strategic points while applications for relative Mepa permits, required for the work to be carried out, were also submitted.

The department also sought to obtain quotations related to work connected with the clearing of debris and the removal of the dangerous cliff face. A contractor was subsequently appointed and work started on Monday 6 April. The prevailing inclement weather conditions have somewhat disrupted the work programme, which had been progressing smoothly up to Thursday.

The Department for Projects and Development in the Ministry for Gozo has also been involved with regard to the situation at Hondoq Bay. The repair of the extensive damage caused to the quay by rough seas involves substantial infrastructural work. However, following the storms, workers from this department cleared large stones and other material that had been washed ashore. Dangerous fixtures were also removed immediately after the storm.

In the meantime, the Ministry for Gozo has issued a public tender for the “removal of boulders from sea bed at Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay in Qala” (Advt.No. WB 06/2009). Sealed tenders relative to this call will be received up to 27 April. The Ministry is also in the process of issuing another tender connected with the repair of the quay.

Miriam Muscat

Communications

Co-ordinator

Ministry for Gozo