ADPD asks ombudsman to investigate Project Green works in Mosta valley
'We cannot lose more of our natural heritage due to shoddy work and neglect', says ADPD secretary general Ralph Cassar
ADPD has asked the ombudsman to investigate the methods in use by Project Green while it carries out restoration work in a section of the Mosta valley.
The greens argue the use of large machinery at Wied il-Qlegħa and Wied tal-Isperanza is “to the detriment of our natural heritage” and in contradiction with guidelines issued by the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), which is overseeing the project.
“We have written to the Ombudsman’s Office to see whether the regulatory authority, ERA, is supervising Project Green to ensure the works are carried out in accordance with craft and professional conservation and rehabilitation practices,” said ADPD secretary general Ralph Cassar.
“We cannot lose more of our natural heritage due to shoddy work and neglect”, he said, arguing Project Green should concentrate its efforts on urban areas.
“The method and technique of ecological conservation and restoration is completely different from how urban spaces are made. Project Green apparently does not know this.”
In a letter to the ombudsman, the party said the use of heavy machinery in the works – which it noted were majority co-financed by the EU – were “damaging the biodiversity of the area”.
“It also appears that the ERA conditions are being violated, but it seems that the ERA itself has not taken action in the public interest”, the letter read, referring to conditions that intervention should be “as minimal as possible” and the removal of alien species staggered to prevent soil erosion.
“The removal of invasive species is important for the conservation of biodiversity, but the methodology used is equally important to reduce the impact on native species on the site,” the party said in its letter.
In 2022, Project Green lodged an application with the Planning Authority for “Cleaning of valley and other ancillary works including repair of rubble walls”, with the plans published the following year. Works are currently underway, according to ADPD.
The plans include restoration works on a bridge leading to Wied il-Qlejgħa chapel, repair of rubble walls, gorge cleaning and clearing and reinstatement of pathways.
The valley is over 14km long, divided into four sections: Wied il-Qlegħa, Wied tal-Isperanza, Wied il-Għasel and Wied Filep.