Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529635
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 22 NOVEMBER 2024 OPINION GOZO environmental NGO Għawdix said it is alarmed by plans by the Qala local council to construct three new boċċi pitch- es, an Olympic-sized pitch, and two standard-sized ones within Ġnien il-Familja, the community park in Qala. In a statement this week, Għaw- dix said that the local council had not yet granted it access to the site plans for the proposed work. On 20 August 2024, during a Qa- la Local Council meeting, a pro- posal was introduced to enhance the facilities at Ġnien il-Familja, the community park in Qala. "While we appreciate the coun- cil's dedication to enriching pub- lic spaces, we are alarmed by the plan to construct three new boċċi pitches: an Olympic-sized pitch, and two standard-sized ones," Għawdix said. It quoted the minutes of that meeting as reading: "The Deputy Mayor mentioned that we should have a boċċi pitch, and the MGP [Ministry for Gozo and Planning] wants to create one of Olym- pic size. Additionally, two more should be built with dimensions similar to local standards. He ex- plained that he has an agreement with the MGP to fully finance everything, meaning two pitches of standard size and one of Olym- pic size. [...] To make this happen, he is asking the Council for a spe- cific area within Ġnien il-Ħajja, and he presented a site plan indi- cating the marked area." The eNGO said the local coun- cil has also not made a recording of the meeting available on the council's website. "This lack of transparency only heightens our concerns about the potential impact of this develop- ment on the environment." Għawdix said it fully supports traditional sports like boċċi, which foster community spirit and extend tradition. However, it said, any upgrades to public are- as should prioritise sustainability, minimising environmental distur- bance. It said it is particularly concern- ing that the proposed location in- cludes a section of the park that has seen limited council upkeep but is home to indigenous trees planted by Qala's schoolchildren about 13 years ago. This green space, one of the few in Qala that has remained relatively un- touched, holds ecological and community significance, it said. "For several weeks, we have sought discussions with the council to explore alternative solutions. The urgency behind creating new pitches is especially puzzling, particularly on the part of the Ministry for Gozo, given that an older boċċi pitch just 600 metres away, at the Nadur foot- ball ground, has remained in a dilapidated state," Għawdix said. "This raises questions about the real need for such investment in new massive facilities, consider- ing the neglected existing infra- structure." On Wednesday, 13 November, a preliminary 'census' of trees was conducted during a site visit at Ġnien Tal-Familja. The park, which spans several hectares, is home to over 100 trees, including Yellow Oleander, Lentisk (Deru), mature Carob, Juniper, Pome- granate, Aleppo Pine, Olive, and Judas Trees. Protected rubble walls enclose the fields, though some sections have collapsed or are damaged. Picnic benches are spread across the park, with many still in good condition. The site is rich in biodiversity, with sea squills and Asphodel bulbs visible throughout the area. "Unfortunately, the park is also impacted by environmental deg- radation, including fly tipping along the road leading to litter scattered across the site, posing a serious threat to wildlife," Għaw- dix said. "The absence of waste bins further exacerbates this is- sue. Additionally, the astroturf and the lack of signage, maps, or other visitor information in both Maltese and English further de- tracts from the park's potential as a well-maintained public space." The eNGO said that, out of respect for the community's ef- forts to establish this green area, it opposes any development that could harm it. "We call upon the council to re- lease the proposed plans, includ- ing detailed information about the specific land intended for the pitches, and the status of any trees that may be affected." It also called on the council, the Ministry for Gozo, and Pro- ject Green to work together, and to focus on restoring Ġnien Tal-Familja as a true nature park. Ghawdix calls on Qala local council to reconsider park development proposal