Qala creek project sparks reactions

The movement for the protection of Hondoq Ir-Rummien, of Qala, has slammed the Qala Creek project. The movement is insisting that although the project's developers have vouched that the sandy beach will remain untouched, the beach and surrounding areas will suffer.

A spokesman for the movement said that the developers are planning to cut all the remaining stone in the quarry - that is, twice the amount that has been cut so far - to make space for the project. He said the developers intend excavating the present parking space to allow the sea into the quarry.

"The new inlet, which the developers are referring to as the 'creek', will be separated from the present sandy beach by a few metres. In the area, stretching from the depth of the quarry and eastwards along the rocky cliff side, they plan to build a five-star hotel with 200 beds, about 300 residences and residential units, shops, restaurants, small squares, a chapel and a yacht marina for long-term anchorage for 60 yachts.

"All this will be closed in by a breakwater with a short arm starting a short way off the sandy beach and a longer arm closing in the first arm starting further east," the spokesman said.

The movement outlined its objections to the project. The spokesman said that the project is too extensive for an area as small as Hondoq ir-Rummien.

"The planned buildings will be crammed along the rock face turning the present beautiful rock panorama into an eyesore. The sand will also be engulfed by it. The clear waters of Hondoq ir-Rummien will become heavily polluted. Though the project caters for water treatment within the creek, the heavy sea traffic envisaged which will enter and leave the creek just a few metres away from the beach will take its toll on the waters of the bay.

"The peace and quiet, Hondoq ir-Rummien's main attraction, will be destroyed with the coming and going of yachts, of holidaymakers and the heavy traffic generated in servicing the area."

The spokesman said that on the project's approval, it will be the first in a string of developments which will devour the eastern side of Gozo at a very quick pace as has happened in other areas of the island.

"It is not just Hondoq Ir-Rummien that will suffer, but all Qala too. The traffic, which such a development would generate, would have to make its way through the quiet and narrow streets of the village, putting an end to the peace for which it is renowned," the spokesman concluded.

The Movement for the Protection of Hondoq Ir-Rummien may be contacted at: hondoq@di-ve.com. For more information access: http://soshondoq.web1000.com.