Alternattiva Demokratika has condemned the "concrete monstrosity" which continues to mar Dwejra, even though the development was halted by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority four months ago.

AD spokesman for Gozo Victor Galea said the structure remained an eyesore. Nobody had taken responsibility for it despite promises by the government to transform Gozo into an eco-island.

The structure, intended to become the 'Dwejra Interpretation Centre', is part of a heritage management plan for the area approved in 2005. This paved the way for the controversial sanctioning of a number of illegal boathouses though it also proposes conservation measures for the entire area.

Mepa halted works on the centre - which it is also proposed will house a cafeteria - on March 25, saying it would be investigating "possible deviations from the approved plans". However, it is still standing.

Mr Galea said: "The Gozo Ministry and the San Lawrenz Council need to realise that quality tourists do not visit Gozo to see a concrete monster in an area of natural beauty," he said.

"Promoting Gozo through the distribution of pictures of the Azure window is not enough, especially if tourists are then surprised by such a state of abandon and irregularities upon visiting the place," he said, adding that there were some 80 enforcement notices over illegal developments in the area.

Carmel Cacopardo, AD spokesman for sustainable development, also emphasised that it was shameful that a place which was meant to be developed into a heritage park through EU funding now represented a clear example of the "the law of the jungle".