Wirt Għawdex cannot agree with the proposed project at Hondoq ir-Rummien and has submitted its objections to MEPA.

In a statement it said that while it agreed that the disturbed land of the quarry needed to be rehabilitated, it had grave reservations about this project.

“Typically, marinas tend to pollute the surrounding waters and Wirt Għawdex’s biggest concern is that a marina would ruin this unique shoreline and unspoilt area.

“The society also questions the need for another marina right next door to the one at Mgarr which has just been privatised and is planned to grow.”

Gozo, Wirt Ghawdex said, already had too many empty dwellings and building another massive complex of apartments and villas carried no benefit to the overall standard of life on the island.

The effects of air pollution during construction would be of great detriment to residents and the environment. While the construction phase would create some temporary employment opportunities, the project had a high risk of non-sustainability.

Wirt Ghawdex said that notwithstanding the developer’s EIA, the society believed this project would have a significant, negative impact on the island’s environment.

The organisation said it did not believe this was the type of development that was appropriate, sustainable or in line with eco-Gozo.

“MEPA has an obligation to judge this project as to whether it addresses the balance between Gozo’s need for prosperity and the need to protect the island’s unique environment,” it said.