Following a report on The Malta Independent on Sunday about illegal works in a valley near Għasri, Gozo, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) has ordered the site to be returned to its natural state.

This week, the sister newspaper published a photograph showing unidentified workers constructing a large pond to use for wild duck hunting in a valley between Żebbuġ and the Fanal tal-Ġordan, near Għasri, Gozo.  

It was explained that the water would attract the ducks and present the hunters with ready targets. All the work being carried out was illegal and no planning application was filed with MEPA.

A spokesperson for the authority, Peter Gingell, confirmed that the owner is complying with the instructions given and on Wednesday began to remove the water and aggregate.

Mr Gingell noted that no concrete was thrown on site, however the photo published on Sunday shows a concrete mixer on site.