In his recent report on the social implications of the proposed mega real estate and yacht marina project at the picturesque Hondoq ir-Rummien beach in Qala, Professor Mario Vassallo described the beach and the surrounding Qala Creek as “nothing but a dumping site”. The report described the project as a “win-win” scenario for Gozitans and for future generations, it went on to say that, “the overall social impact of the project is definitely positive, despite the residue of opposition to it. It will transform what is currently a dumping site into a vibrant centre of activity”.

Moviment Graffiti have strongly disagreed, saying, “Rather than a dumping zone Hondoq ir-Rummien is one of the few remaining beaches in Gozo and the one most frequented by Gozitan people. A referendum which took place in 2002 among the Qala residents rejected the whole development.”

They also pointed out that this report directly contradicts the government’s own website, www.gozo.gov, which gives a completely different picture of the picturesque bay.

The goverment site classifies Hondoq ir-Rummien as “A Bay that can be acceded to from the village of Qala and lies opposite to the isle of Comino. The small sandy beach and its crystalline water makes Hondoq Bay very popular amongst the local population especially in summer. Apart from an ideal swimming zone, the bay is also renowned for diving, especially for beginners. During summer evenings a number of local families stay late in Hondoq to relax by their smoking barbeques enjoying the cool summer breeze”

Moviment Graffitti feel that MEPA should reject this project, as this project falls out of the development scheme set by the MEPA it self.

Moviment Graffitti continued to say that the developers stressed that the project is not going to cause any harm or destruction to the natural environment because it is going to be in a quarry, but one can clearly see from the developers presentation of the project that the area to be developed is much bigger then the quarry itself and that even the costal area is going to be taken.

Moviment Graffitti said that they cannot understand how developers are still dreaming about unsustainable projects when statistics shows that during peak seasons 4 stars hotels have only 35% of there rooms occupied. In fact Major hotels in Gozo, such as the Mgarr Hotel, the Andar Hotel, the Atlantis Hotel, and others, have ceased to operate as hotels.

“Gozo cannot hold a sustainable tourist industry if it continues destroying its natural landscape by unsustainable development. Such mega projects as Hondoq will kill and destroy the distinct character of Gozo forever.”

Moviment Graffitti continues by saying “once the yacht Marina is constructed, the clear waters of Hondoq ir-Rummien will become heavily polluted. The heavy sea traffic envisaged which will enter and leave the creek just a few meters away from the beach will surely take its toll in the waters of the bay.”

“What Gozo needs is sustainable development that will differentiate the island of Gozo from Malta.”