Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1518324
A contentious debate is now brewing in the heart of Gozo. The proposed widening of Marsalforn Road has sparked significant outcry from NGOs, environmentalists, and local res- idents, igniting deep anxieties surrounding the degradation of our island's nature and destruc- tion of Gozo's beauty. Despite assurances from Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri to pre- serve the road's character, Din l-Art Ħelwa Għawdex estimates this project will result in the up- rooting of at least 200 trees, in- cluding two glorious ash trees, 19 African tamarisk trees, 29 ol- ive trees, two pomegranate trees, two carob trees, five almond trees, two poplars, and one nettle tree. It would also uproot several Aleppo pines, Italian cypresses, and eucalyptus trees. This proposal to widen a rare- ly congested road has puzzled many. Activist Daniel Cilia notes that in the 55 years he has lived near this road, he has never once witnessed a traffic jam – a senti- ment that other Gozo residents, myself included, agree with. I can see the road from my balco- ny and have never once noticed a problem with traffic. The damage this project would cause is inconceivable. Botanist Timothy J. Tabone emphasises how it would not only destroy fertile agricultural lands, but would also erase unique biodi- versity and threaten endangered species. Near the road is Wied tal-Grazzja, where a freshwa- ter valley-bed stream supports a fragile ecosystem. This area serves as a sanctuary for rare and special plants, including the denseflower knotweed, sea clubrush, and southern cat- tail. Moreover, it is the current breeding ground for a pair of beautiful moorhen water-birds currently nesting beneath the valley's towering qasab reeds. Given that there are only ap- proximately 60 pairs of moor- hens remaining in the entire country, fostering the reproduc- tion of these birds is an ecolog- ical imperative. Widening this road would completely oblite- rate their habitat. This distressing project carries a price tag of €9 million. Unsur- prisingly, the funds have been awarded by the Gozo ministry to Gatt Tarac, Ltd. and Prax Con- crete, Ltd – entities linked to developer Joseph Portelli and his associates. A passionate outcry is being made against this development. Scores of Gozitans, several NGOs, and politicians from all of Malta's major parties have united against this injustice. On 19 March, Din L-Art Ħel- wa led over 100 protestors down Marsalforn Road, as they tied black ribbons around the trees slated for demise. The galvanis- ing march inspired many to plan further protests to protect these trees. Many young protestors are even threatening to blockade the works if they start. Protecting our trees, our plants and our birds is more important than lining the pockets of Prax Concrete, Ltd. We urge the government to embrace a path of genuine di- alogue with its citizens, and protect what remains of our majestic island's environment. Widening this road and destroy- ing our beloved trees will cause great heartache. It will also ig- nite and unleash visceral anger towards Gozo's current admin- istration. Government needs to work for the people, not against us. Safe- guarding our natural environ- ment is not only morally correct, it is a sacred duty. Nature and sustainable pro- gress can coexist for the benefit of us all – it is time for those in positions of power to take their responsibility seriously and fig- ure out how to balance essential development with thoughtful environmental stewardship. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 31 MARCH 2024 4 OPINION Save the Marsalforn road trees Dawn Adrienne Saliba Dawn Adrienne Saliba is president Malta ARCH, an NGO The proposed widening of Marsalforn Road has sparked significant outcry from NGOs, environmentalists, and local residents 'Widening this road and destroying our beloved trees will cause great heartache. It will also ignite and unleash visceral anger towards Gozo's current administration'