Qala Mayor Paul Buttigieg has called on the parliament to declare Ħondoq ir-Rummien as public domain and change the local plan as was done in recent years.
In a post on Facebook published on Saturday, Buttigieg said that “all political parties have stated that Ħondoq should be protected. Therefore, we are requesting that all parties go to parliament and pass a resolution so Ħondoq be declared public domain, with all the protection that goes with public domain.”
The mayor argued that local plans have been changed in the past for other developments, including changing property heights to be higher in places like Ħad-Dingli, transforming Ħal Ferħ from a touristic zone to a residential one as well as changing Ta’ Qali to a zone for commercial purposes with higher height limitations.
In all these cases the local plan was changed, according to Buttigieg.
“The Local plans can be changed for environmental and social purposes – and the protection of Ħondoq is a perfect example of changing a local plan for environmental, social and community reasons,” Buttigieg said.
Developers have been eyeing Ħondoq ir-Rummien for years as they have repeatedly attempted to develop buildings such as hotels, apartments as well as a marina.
Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said that he is against any form of development in the Ħondoq area, whilst the Nationalist party had stated that they would buy the area back from its current owners and transform it into a national park.
Buttigieg highlighted that seeing that all political parties said they wanted Ħondoq protected they should put these words into action.
No more delaying tactics, but the implementation of a plan to protect Ħondoq, and fulfil the wishes of 1000’s of people, including 85% of Qalin who voted against the development of this jewel.” He was referring to the 2002 referendum.
“The wish of many Gozitans, Maltese and people that love our island, remains the same – to protect Ħondoq from developement and speculation, as well as to keep Ħondoq free for public use”, Buttigieg said.
“Listen to our request... even the European Courts concluded that Local plans can be changed without need for compensation. Take this step so we will know for sure who is listening to us and who genuinely has the enviornment at heart,” Buttigieg wrote.