The redevelopment of a restaurant in Qala, better known as Xerri l-Bukkett, has once again, over the past week, been the subject of much controversy.

Last Wednesday, at a press conference outside the offices of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, protesters said that, irrespective of Mepa’s contradictory policies, the green element of the area should have been given top priority.

Qala deputy mayor Paul Buttigieg said that the site offers one of the most beautiful views in Malta and Gozo, and visitors often make a short stop there to take a few photographs on their way back to Malta.

“Such is the scenic beauty the view offers from this particular point in Qala, that five years ago, during the Queen’s last visit to Malta and Gozo, she was taken there to see the breathtaking views. To ensure a smooth journey for Her Majesty, the road was even resurfaced with new tarmac.

“Tourists visit the area in abundance, especially as the sun is setting late in the afternoon. That permission has been given for such development to take place beggars belief,” said Mr Buttigieg.

What is irritating and frustrating Mr Buttigieg and other protesters is the fact that development can continue while appeals are still pending and until the final verdict of the appeal is reached.

“The developer has continued with his plans because, technically speaking, he is allowed to do so. Development can only be halted once the appeals have been upheld. However, the appeals keep being postponed to a later date for no apparent reason whatsoever. Letters, telephone calls and e-mails have failed to have the desired effect, because it seems that no one wants to shoulder any responsibility regarding this case.

“The latest excuse is that the legislation period of the current Mepa board of directors has expired, with everyone now waiting in frustration for the selection of new board members. However, commonsense dictates that the handing over process should have taken place before the expiry term of the current board of directors.

“In the meantime, the developer has gone full steam ahead with his plans, while we are waiting for our appeal to be heard. The promise of a reform of Mepa has been a joke. Mepa’s inconsistencies have led, among other things, to the destruction of one of the most scenic views in Gozo,” said Mr Buttigieg.

On behalf of the Ramblers Association, Lino Bugeja claims that there is no level playing field when it comes to Mepa.

“Mepa, which is meant to ensure a better quality of life for citizens, is heavily tilted in favour of developers rather than the public. What is annoying, irritating and ultimately somewhat sad is the fact that the public has been promised a Mepa reform but nothing has ever happened.

“Mepa needs to show more transparency to gain the people’s trust. As things stand now, evidently there is no level playing field within Mepa,” said Mr Bugeja.

Mr Bugeja lamented the fact that current rules stipulate that development can continue until appeals are heard.

“Last Wednesday’s postponement stemmed for no apparent reason, for Mepa were citing technical reasons as an excuse.

“To make matters worse, the new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) rules introduced towards the end of the summer state that the developer can choose his own assessor, prior to development taking place, and then subsequently pay for any expenses incurred. Mepa should take more responsibility and choose its own neutral assessors instead of allowing developers to do so, before giving the go ahead for development to take place. Sadly, the people of Malta and Gozo have been promised much but to no avail,” Mr Bugeja said.

On behalf of Alternattiva Demokratika, spokesman for Gozo Victor Galea said that, when it comes to Mepa: “both parties are happy with the status quo.

“Before the last election, the Prime Minister promised his say on anything that went on within the Mepa corridors. A little while later, Dr Gonzi passed the buck onto Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco, who has instigated a Mepa reform but has failed to eradicate such niggling inconsistencies,” he said.

Mr Galea added that the development in Qala mirrored the case of the development of a new cemetery at Nadur, where work is nearly complete, even though the local farmers have appealed against the development because the area concerned is a green area. According to Mr Galea, this development has led to the loss of over 5,000 citrus trees.