Following the Planning Authority’s refusal to meet with the Gozo Regional Council composed by the President and Gozitan mayors, GUG feels deeply discouraged by this type of behaviour from the people who are in a position to make the difference. In an unprecedented stance, Gozitan mayors stood as one to voice their concerns towards the amount of overdevelopment that is taking over our island. Yet, their attempt was nonchalantly disregarded.
As an organisation that represents Gozitans, GUG feels the urge to exert pressure on relevant authorities by showing its disapproval towards this type of unacceptable behaviour as shown by the Planning Authority. In view of such attitude, the future of Gozo seems bleak, greatly affecting the lifestyle of future generations. As part of the future generation, we certainly do not wish that our beautiful island is deprived from its natural beauty by the excessive greed of a handful of powerful people. Latest records show that, very rarely does the Planning Authority refuse to grant building permits, all in all showing that it is not fulfilling its potential to reduce the effects of overdevelopment.
The “Gozo and Comino Local Plan” policy document is being blatantly disregarded and set aside. The aim behind this document was to promote “development whilst ensuring that the natural and cultural capital of the islands is safeguarded for the enjoyment of current and future generations.” However, it is clear that suchsafeguarding is definitely not taking place, with the natural landscape being developed uncontrollably, historic sights damaged to accommodate developers, traditional townhouses replaced by concrete blocks and ‘masterplans’ ruining ecological areas and historical centres. Moreover, it is crucial that politicians, who are supposed to serve as representatives of the citizen, voice their concern and not turn a blind eye on such issues, as seems the case.
Whilst backing the position taken by the Gozitan mayors, the GUG executive will incessantly continue to promote a sustainable future for the island we call home since it is indeed at stake of being ruined forever. We feel that the number of permits being approved will forever change the landscape of the island, ruining it to the detriment of future generations. Additionally, we strongly encourage other Gozitan organisations to voice their concerns with the relevant authorities before Gozo’s charm is lost.
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