In the coming weeks, the process will begin to make the changes in the planning laws for the government to seal the certainty and peace of mind that Hondoq ir-Rummien is not developed.
This is the next step in the fight for the protection of Hondoq ir Rummien. This was the important and clear message delivered by Prime Minister Robert Abela during a visit he made to Hondoq ir-Rummien, within the limits of Qala, accompanied by the Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri and Qala Mayor Paul Shop.
Prime Minister Abela explained that this is a decision that must reverse what should have never been done, that is to say that in 2006 a change was introduced in the local plan which facilitated that considerable development could be done in Hondoq. He said that the direction that the government is now giving is another important change that preserves the island of Gozitan and that it is in the interest of families including Gozitans and the Qala community in particular.
Minister Abela noted that decisions from 2013 onwards by the Planning Authority and the courts rejected this development but currently there is nothing to prevent another application for development in Hondoq ir Rummien, there-fore it is necessary that against those past decisions that gave greater value to speculators, a strong signal is now sent in favor of the interests of the people and unimpeded access to the beach in Hondoq. He said that a main principle in the work of this government has always been a consistent one against development in Hondoq ir Rummien. He reiterated that what the government is looking at is implementing measure number 319 in the ‘Malta Together’ manifesto, the government’s work program approved by the people in the last general election.
The prime minister thanked Mayor Buttigieg in particular for his tireless work to defend Hondoq from development. At the Hondoq ir-Rummien site, Prime Minister Abela noted that on government land, which had been abandoned for a long time, the first Reverse Osmosis for Gozo was made, a state-of-the-art plant that was made with an investment of €11 million which is ensuring for the people of Gozo, an independent source of quality water which, among others, reaches the homes. This plant will continue to strengthen its efficiency with more investment as a result of the trust shown in the Green Bonds that the Water Services Corporation issued with a value of €25 million and which were seized immediately. The plant produces around 9,000 cubic meters of water per day and in case of emergency is able to supply water even on the other side of the river.
Photos (OPM)
