Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1287818
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 13 SEPTEMBER 2020 10 NEWS Yachting Malta is issuing a call for Expression of Interest for participation in the forthcoming Malta Boat Show, which is being held between the 4th and the 8th November 2020. Businesses related to the boating and yachting sector, interested in exhibiting in the Malta Boat Show are to contact Yachting Malta via email on gm@yachtingmalta.org by not later than Friday 18th September 2020. The Malta Boat Show will feature luxury brands at a VIP pavilion. Brands and services being considered on a sector-specific exclusivity which will include watches, cars, fragrances, real estate and beverages. Interested brands are also to contact by email gm@yachtingmalta.org before 18th September 2020, for the Terms of Reference document and Bid Form. Expression of Interest Yachting Malta Ltd, c/o Royal Malta Yacht Club, Ix-Xatt ta' Ta'Xbiex chairman@yachtingmalta.org | gm@yachtingmalta.org +356 9982 3780 www.yachtingmalta.org Concrete seawall to replace Tigné cave JAMES DEBONO THE Planning Authority has ap- proved the erection of a seawall to stabilise a deteriorated rock slope that is posing "significant danger" to the reinforced con- crete walls at the basement level for Midi's T14 and T17 Blocks at Tigné Point. The concrete wall in question was exposed after a small cave and its walls, which had previous- ly protected the concrete walls, collapsed into the sea, "exposing the deteriorating reinforced wall further". To reduce visual impact, the concrete blocks covering the sea wall will be given "a cream earthly colour" similarly to the surround- ing rock surface. A 14-storey tower was built on top of the cave, approved in 2012 when the cave was still in place. Midi claims the natural lime- stone coastal cave at the base- ment level of one of its tower blocks had collapsed because of "natural processes of weathering and erosion". But the Environment and Re- sources Authority cited the lack of public access to this part of the coast, which "seems to have contributed to the significant physical damage inflicted… due to past developments, including the complete obliteration of two sizeable coastal caves". The proposed remedial repairs and supporting works consist in the careful removal of heavily fis- sured rock, the repair of the ex- posed concrete wall and the ad- dition of precast armour units to dissipate strong wave action. ERA also called for the rein- statement of public access to the coast, as required by the North Harbour Local Plan. NGO Futur Ambjent Ahjar called for a con- ditional restoration of the con- tinuous coastal walkway, but no such condition was included in the permit. JAMES DEBONO THE Rabat valley where gov- ernment roadworks are paving the way for a new promenade, is being threatened by an illegal- ly-developed horse paddock and plans for a brand new dwelling with a swimming pool instead of an old reservoir. The Planning Authority had issued an enforcement order against the illegal paddock on a field in the Għeriexem valley, which is set between Mtarfa and Rabat, and is scheduled for its scenic value as an Area of High Landscape Value. The illegalities consisted of the levelling of the soil and the dumping of inert material and stones, as well as the construc- tion of a rubble boundary wall, the construction of a stone oven, a metal fence, a timber paddock, and the change of use of the ag- ricultural field into a horse-hold- ing site Subsequently, the owner ap- plied to sanction the illegalities. But the application now fore- sees the construction of horse shelters and ancillary facilities, a reservoir and pump chamber, the removal of the metal fencing and the construction of rubble walls to delineate the property. The Ramblers Association is objecting to the request, insist- ing that sanctioning these works in retrospect will only serve to reward and encourage the pre- vailing cowboy attitude of "build first, get it approved later". "The applicant should be fined for the works already carried out and ordered to restore the area," the association said, say- ing the proposed development was totally incongruous with its surroundings. "Għeriexem valley serves as a significant buffer be- tween the two urban settlements of Mtarfa and Rabat; it preserves Illegalities in Gheriexem valley spark concern