Shock as Xaghra Stone Circle villa given go-ahead by MEPA
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- Building Permits for the Villa near to the Xaghra Stone Circle
- Important archaeological sites and Ta’ Cenc area must be given maximum protection - DLH
- NGO’s Call for Protection of the Cultural Landscape at Ta - Cenc
- Wirt Ghawdex joins in chorus of condemnation
- Xewkija council protests against Waste Transfer Station
- Wirt Ghawdex disturbed by MEPA’s readiness to grant permits
- New archaeological work to throw more light on Gozo’s prehistory
- AD calls for action to safeguard Gozo’s heritage
- Din l-Art Helwa condemns Mepa’s decision
- MEPA discovers megaliths and other remains
- Call for inquiry and resignation of the MEPA Board
- Cultural tour of Gozo from Malta
- Latest Ta’ Cenc proposals - Din l-Art Helwa and Nature Trust
- Archaeology exhibition about Mgarr ix-Xini
- NGO’s condemn MEPA boycott of FAA
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In a decision which has widely shocked conservationists and the archaeological community, the controversial development of a villa with a pool within the limits of Gozo's Xaghra Stone Circle has been given the go-ahead. The site is situated in the middle of an archaeologically rich area, near to the Ggantija Temple and partly within the limits of the important Xaghra Circle archaeological site.
The environmental NGO Wirt Ghawdex said that it is very much preoccupied that notwithstanding MEPA's condition that construction works on such a sensitive site are to be monitored by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, this would be very difficult to be enforced in actual practice.
The Superintendence has as yet no permanent representative in Gozo, and therefore it might be very difficult to supervise continuously such works, with the possibility that any archaeological finds will be completely destroyed.
Excavations carried out by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and the Department of Archeology of the University of Malta in the area known as Ghar ix-Xih, just a few metres away from the site, have confirmed the presence of important archeological remains dating back to Classical times.
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Copyright © 2008
On reading this story I couldn’t help but think how lucky we are in Britain not to have a bunch of environmental vandals like Mepa in charge of things.
Somehow I don’t think Stonehenge would look right with a high rise apartment block inside it!
When are we going to recognise once and for all the importance and uniqueness of our vast historical heritage? Gozitans could ask what we are going to leave for future generations? when are we going to have the good sense to invest in and use our historical heritage to make these islands a unique experience for tourists?
No other country can match our unique temples and our fascinating history that followed and this is what we have to safeguard!
This is the result of political arrogance and scandal. Politically appointed members on MEPA boards is a shame to happen in the year 2007.
I share the frustration of many Maltese and Gozitans of goodwill. Please remember that ultimately the “power” is in the hands of the people. Its up to the people to use their vote wisely.
Everybody knows what MLP, PN and AD are proposing for MEPA. It’s up to the nation.
Who is going to believe that the works at the Xaghra Stone Circle is going to be monitored? Come on!
It’s bizarre and short sighted. The archeological sites are one of the main assets of Gozo.
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