Momentum said Saturday it has submitted a Freedom of Information request seeking detailed information about cleaning, rehabilitation and other works that have been carried out or are currently being carried out in valleys across Gozo.

Cleanup works have been undertaken in Gozo's valleys, but they remain shrouded in mystery, with very limited publicly available professional information explaining what works have been carried out, why they were necessary, what methods were used, and what impact they may have on the natural environment.

The works were highlighted by Minister Clint Camilleri, who shared a video showing works carried out during the summer: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1663617905770740 

In light of the importance of Gozo's valleys as natural, ecological and rural areas, Momentum believes that the public should have access to proper documentation concerning such interventions. Through its FOI request, Momentum said it is asking for a list of the valleys and locations where works have taken place, together with the dates on which the works started and were completed.

The request also seeks copies of technical advice, ecological and environmental studies, and reports prepared before the works commenced, together with the names, qualifications and roles of the experts involved. It is also requesting information on the machinery and methods used, including the type and quantity of material removed and where this material was transported or disposed of.

The FOI request further asks for reports, surveys, photographs and other documentation showing the condition of the sites before and after the interventions, as well as copies of all relevant permits, authorisations and environmental assessments.

Of particular interest is how protected species were actually protected.

Information is also being requested on the entities and contractors responsible for the works, the total cost of the works at each location, inspection and monitoring reports, and any plans for maintenance or restoration following the interventions.

In response, the Ministry for Gozo said that the valley rehabilitation works-some of which had not been cleaned for decades-were carried out through formal and transparent processes. In total, an area of over 23,000 square meters of vegetation was cleared, and so far, over 34,000 cubic meters of waste and soil have been collected.

The use of machinery is indispensable for the removal of such large amounts of waste and soil, and it makes no sense to expect that a quantity of this size could be removed by hand. The necessary permits and approvals were obtained from competent authorities including the Planning Authority and ERA among others, while both the contractor and the Project Management Team responsible for monitoring the works were chosen following public calls for tenders, the ministry said.

The permits and public documentation related to the calls for tenders can be consulted through the official systems of the respective authorities. The program covers Wied il-Kbir, Wied tal-Marga, Wied ta' Marsalforn (Ta' Kittina), part of Wied ta' Xħajma, Wied Mġarr ix-Xini, Wied l-Imġarr, and Wied l-Infern.

These interventions have a clear environmental objective: the removal of invasive alien species that compete with and choke indigenous flora, thereby creating better conditions for the regeneration of local habitats and biodiversity. At the same time, accumulated material that was blocking running water paths was removed to improve the collection and management of rainwater and reduce the risk of flooding. The works therefore link the ecological rehabilitation of the valleys with preparation for winter and the protection of agricultural land and surrounding areas, the statement said.