Partit Demokratiku, Malta’s third party, today called on the Planning Authority and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage to stop the development in Għar Għerduf, Kerċem, Gozo which is threatening the existence of the only Roman Catacombs to be found in Gozo and calls on the authority to issue an emergency conservation order in order to halt the development.

Partit Demokratiku expressed its support to Wirt Għawdex. Partit Demokratiku questions the granting of the permit since concerns on Għar Għerduf have been made earlier. The Superintendence had already suggested that the area should be expropriated.

Partit Demokratiku asks why was the permit was issued knowingly that such heritage existed in the first place? Secondly why was it that only this specific permit was granted and two others refused? Why is the Planning Authority turning a blind eye on our historical heritage when they knew that Għar Għerduf is a Grade A scheduled site of archaeological and historic importance? 

Partit Demokratiku said it believes that in such cases the relevant authorities should intervene to protect national heritage and ensure public access. We cannot keep losing important heritage sites and natural environment due to bad planning laws and lack of vision for our islands when it comes to long sustainable planning.