When reading the list of MEPA applications printed in The Malta Independent on Saturday 12 February 2011, I was at first furious, then sad and finally disgusted.

Once again the church has applied to build totally unnecessary buildings in an Out of Development Zone (ODZ). This time, it is on the hill opposite Ta’ Pinu. The new application is as follows: “PA/03959/07 Full development application for the construction of retreat house, visitor’s centre and ancillary facilitates, coach and car parking areas and the re-planting of indigenous trees on Ghammieri Hill”.

Firstly, the proposed area on which the visitor’s centre and the coach/car park is to be built is in an Out of Development Zone. This was confirmed during my visit to the MEPA office in Gozo on 14 February 2011. Despite not yet being approved, a huge portion of the topsoil from one of the fields, I assume earmarked for the car park, has already been excavated.

Secondly, the proposed large, ultra-modern, unsightly visitor’s centre would be highly detrimental to an area of ‘high scenic value’ such as the Ghammieri Hill. In case you are unfamiliar with this area, the Ghammieri Hill is home to a Way of the Cross route consisting of numerous life-size marble statues and is frequented by many tourists and pilgrims. It can be seen from all over the island and it would be a pity to destroy the unspoilt surroundings of this hill more so than it already is (due to the police station and toilets). The route does, however, need to be repaired, as unfortunately hunters also frequent this area and have had fun shooting off the noses and other protuberances of said statues.

The building which at present houses the police station and public toilets is also ODZ, but has obviously been ignored in the past because nobody really cared, however it should be removed. Is it necessary to have a police station in this area? The public toilets could easily be accommodated under the present parking lot in the area where the old cafe/restaurant used to be. In fact, there are probably more than adequate facilities already available which just need a refurbishment. So, is it really esQsential to mar the side of this lovely hill with a building dedicated to toilets and crime?

While the reforestation of the hill with indigenous plants is commendable, the building of a retreat house is debatable – I would have thought that there were more than sufficient existing buildings belonging to the church that could serve this purpose. The depletion of our only natural resource, ie stone, is imminent.

I have talked to many people living in Gozo, and, perhaps with the exception of the Pope’s visit 20/21 years ago, nobody has ever experienced a shortage of parking places at Ta’ Pinu. If such visits or special occasions occur in the future, surely it would be more feasible to provide public transport from specific areas on the island than to permanently concrete over hundreds of square metres of agricultural land and destroy areas of high scenic value? In addition, has the church, or the Ministry, taken into consideration the damage that will be done to the brand new, not quite completed, multi-million-euro road and its supporting walls, if this development is approved? I do realise that this would mean a lot of extra money in some people’s pockets, but I think that the time has come to stop thinking of now and us, and to think about what sort of state we are going to leave the island in for our children and grandchildren!

As an afterthought, and thinking about the Nadur disaster, I suppose that we can be thankful that a cemetery was not also included in this application.

Lesley G. Kreupl

Gharb