Malta Environment and Planning Authority enforcement officers this morning carried out on site investigations on the unsanctioned development taking place in the picturesque bay of San Blas in Gozo.

The investigation was a result of an exclusive story published in The Malta Independent on Sunday in which it was revealed that a sizeable patch of land has been cleared of all vegetation, a metal gate and a canopy structure have been built and rubble walls have been torn down to make way for what sources said will become a camping site and a kiosk, or an exclusive beach area for a Gozitan hotel.

Gozitan entrepreneur Joseph Portelli, who owns a number of companies and properties was also on site.

Mepa to send enforcement officers

San BlasTED

Din l-Art Helwa issued a statement to strongly condemn any illegal development at San Blas bay in Gozo. It is ironic that while MEPA's enforcement directorate was recently applauded for issuing enforcement notices on similar developments at Golden Sands and Paradise Bay, no such action was taken on this illegal and unacceptable land clearing activity of a scheduled ecological site despite, according to yesterday's report in the Malta Independent on Sunday.

Din l-Art Helwa asks that MEPA takes urgent corrective measures to protect one of the few pristine beach areas left in our islands. San Blas should also not be leased out for private parties which exclude its use by the public, and leaving behind an unsightly mess as has happened on various occasions.

Furthermore, it should be self-evident that the chief executive officer of a regulating authority and officials should not have financial interests in the sector which they are involved in regulating. Din l-Art Helwa calls on the MEPA chairman to confirm to the public whether this is the case or not, as any uncertainty on this matter will only serve to further erode public trust in the Planning Authority.