In Gozo, we can see the ongoing rape of our natural heritage: the buildings on ridges that are changing the character of our perched villages; the big apartment complex in Zebbug overlooking Wied l-Ghasri; the destruction of Fort Chambray; the transformation of the Andar and Mgarr hotels into apartments; the building of the new Nadur cemetery on the way to Ramla; and all with the blessing of Mepa, the would-be protector of the natural environment. And now this proposed Simar development in Qala that really goes over the top. It will transform beyond recognition one of the spots in Gozo where you can enjoy nature without seeing buildings, concrete and development. The quarry in question has been operating illegally for a long time, and Mepa just snoozed. The right thing to do is stop it operating, rehabilitate it and make it a natural park; but not by, adding insult to injury, making the wound bigger.  

I have a few questions to ask:

To the Bishop of Gozo: will you speak out against the massive development in Gozo in ODZ as the Archbishop did in Malta?

To the common people: are you still afraid to speak out, if you really are against this massive development in ODZ? Are we still living in the times when we were afraid to speak our minds and decide on the future of our children? Let's practise living in a democracy. It is your right. And if you really don't like this turn of events, you have to show your disapproval by declaring who would get your vote in future. Otherwise, you are part of the destruction and of this social sin.

To the Nationalist Party: If you do not speak out against this massive development, you will be using two weights and two measures.

To the Save Hondoq Front: I hope you will speak out against this massive development as you did against the same thing in Hondoq. It is in Qala. You protested against the illegal quarry in Simar. If this project is realised, Qala will surely be affected negatively with heavy machinery passing through and so on.

To Mepa: I have suspected for a long time that you are not autonomous. Now we have the proof.

To the government: Is it fair, is it ok, and is it democratic to present us with a fait accompli? Do you really believe that this will help Gozo when you are throwing Eco Gozo out of the window? And you speak as if all will occur as planned and that no one dares oppose, disregarding local plans and habitats.

To Leo Brincat: Are you supposed to be the minister responsible for the destruction of the environment?

I hope you Maltese people speak out against the Simar development as you did against Zonqor Point because they Gozitans need some prodding.

I think we can improve Gozo without changing its soul as an island and still having open natural spaces. For one, increase the transport between Malta and Gozo by truly liberalising it and letting other companies work in addition to Gozo Channel. Introduce air transport with fixed winged small aircraft. Rehabilitate the disused quarry of Hondoq and the one at Simar as a natural park. It is dishonest to say that the cruise liner terminal plus villas plus apartments plus yacht marina plus hotel plus the entire infrastructure are less of a scar than the quarry, as this will gobble up part of the surrounding area which is still pristine. So first, Mepa lets the quarry go to rot and now, adding insult to injury, it stamps its approval on additional use of ODZ.

This government blatantly took a new road into the wilderness. It decided that the way forward is developing in ODZ. It promised us a new thing but it is the old way or worse: gobbling up ODZ. What will remain of ODZ in the future? I tell you: nothing; just pockets of national parks hemmed on all sides by empty concrete. The Nationalist Party must make a clear pledge in favour of ODZ and, if need be, offers its apologies because when in government, Mepa was its responsibility. The Church of Malta is right in defending the natural environment. It is the natural right of the poor people and of the most disadvantaged and those who earn least to enjoy ODZs. We are defending this legacy of the natural environment for future generations.

Maybe the decision to grant two seats to the Nationalist Party was annulled because the government is afraid of losing its strong majority. It would be a big day for the natural environment and for democracy in Malta if Muscat were to call new elections because he would lose his parliamentary majority. It would need just a few people to put their foot down on this environment issue because they see it as a no-go for Malta and Gozo.

Joe Portelli 

Nadur