Moviment Graffitti condemns destruction of more arable land in Gozo

Moviment Graffitti condemned the proposal for the construction of 71 apartments over four storeys, 74 garages on two basement levels, and a communal pool in Nadur, Gozo (PA/00085/21). The development, in Triq il-Qortin, is part of the 2006 rationalisation exercise, and it partly falls outside the development zone. The proposed development is significantly out-of-proportion with the other buildings in the area and jars considerably with the surroundings.

If given the green light by the authorities, such a huge building would no doubt lead to the overnight transformation of this quiet countryside road. It is clear that this development threatens to further destroy the rural character of what was once an idyllic Gozitan village, resulting in a negative impact on the life of residents. To add further insult to injury, it will also destroy arable land that is still worked by local farmers, who will see their livelihoods destroyed and their land replaced by another ghastly, uninspiring block of apartments.

Such a monstrosity in the quaint village of Nadur, will be a huge eyesore, not only in terms of size but also because the design does not blend with the surroundings. It would be covering a large stretch of arable land, creating a number of problems for the residents and for the farmers who work this land. The apartment complex would result in a sudden influx of people and a substantial increase in noise pollution, traffic and demand for parking spaces in a narrow street where parking is already a problem. The development will also restrict access to the Natura 2000 site, il-Qortin, situated at the end of the street. Furthermore, this huge development will increase the existing sewage problem since the street is not connected to a sewer system, resulting in a large increase of sewage going to the water table which will be highly detrimental to the remaining arable land.

Moviment Graffitti urged the Planning Authority to reject this development which will not only contribute significantly to the continued uglification of Gozo, but will also have a very negative impact on the quality of life of the families who live in this tranquil locality and who will have to bear the brunt of yet another huge development in the middle of a rural area. Residents have come up in arms against this proposed development and are urging the public to support them in their fight. Gozitan and Maltese citizens alike have had enough of seeing more agricultural land brutalized at the hands of unscrupulous land speculators and gobbled-up by tarmac and hideous blocks of apartments which give nothing back to the community.