Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543884
ALLOWING a proposed resi- dential development within the buffer zone of the Ġgantija Tem- ples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, would "open the gates of hell," Din l-Art Ħelwa council member Daniel Cilia said. Speaking to GozoToday, Cilia warned that permitting the de- velopment would set a danger- ous precedent and could trigger further development in the sur- rounding area. Along with a number of envi- ronmental organisations, Din l-Art Ħelwa has raised concerns about the project known as "Ġgantija Heights." The plans include the construction of 22 apartments and garages within the protected buff- er zone surrounding the prehistoric temples. Environmental NGOs noted that the site lies just 157 metres from the meg- alithic Ġgantija Temples, one of Malta's most impor- tant prehistoric sites and part of the UNESCO-listed Megalithic Temples of Malta. They argued that development in such close proximity risks undermining the wider cultural l a n d s c a p e surrounding the monument. Five years ago, an application emerged proposing the con- struction of 22 apartments and 20 garages near the temples. According to environmental groups, the proposal immedi- ately triggered strong public re- action, with thousands of objec- tions submitted and widespread concern that such a develop- ment was even being considered in a sensitive area surrounding a World Heritage Site. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2026 • ISSUE 087 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt €1.00 CONTINUES PAGE 3 Ggantija buffer zone project sets dangerous precedent Gozo sees sharp rise in tourist stays at end of 2025 CONTINUES PAGE 3 THE number of guests stay- ing in collective accommoda- tion establishments in Gozo and Comino rose during the fourth quarter of 2025, ac- cording to figures released by the National Statistics Office (NSO). Data show that 37,317 guests stayed in accom- modation establishments across Gozo and Comino, representing a 30.5 per cent increase compared with the same quarter of 2024. At the same time, nights spent increased by 26.2 per cent to 96,462, indicating stronger tourism activity on the islands during the final months of the year. Ggantija Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Inset: Din l-Art Helwa council member Daniel Cilia