Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/302202
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 27 APRIL 2014 3 CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 On Thurs- day, PN deputy leader Mario de Mar- co, flanked by MP Ryan Callus, who sits on the MEPA board, announced that they would filing a parliamen- tary motion to expropriate the plot that had been given a permit. The motion called on the govern- ment to honour its responsibilities under the UNESCO Convention of World Heritage in 1972, and to ex- propriate the land in question against compensation to its owners. "In this case there is a clear case of public purpose, to safeguard the identity of the megalithic temples of Ta' Hagrat for the benefit of present and future generations," the two MPs said. Last September, MEPA approved an application 'to remove existing structure and construct dwelling' in Triq San Pietru, Mgarr. A number of residents objected to the construc- tion of two-storey residences. On 6 September 2013, MEPA approved an application to erect semi-basement garages 15 apart- ments and 1 penthouse in Triq San Pietru, Mgarr. Residents objected to the construction of two-storey resi- dences. The controversial approval by MEPA of the 96-square-metre dwell- ing was 10 metres away from the Ta' Hagrat temples, and had the blessing of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. But the same body had ini- tially objected to the development in March. The Superintendence not only ob- jected to the construction due to its proximity to the World Heritage Site Ta' Hagrat, but went as far as call- ing on MEPA to revise development boundaries to safeguard the site. In a strongly worded objection issued on 8 March, the Superintendence objected to the "intensive develop- ment a few metres away from the Ta' Hagrat World Heritage Site and well within the buffer zone of the monu- ment". UNESCO had communicated the outline of the buffer zone to the Superintendence in 2011. "This ur- banisation should not be allowed to spread, and if necessary, a review of existing development boundaries in the area should be carried out in view of the UNESCO buffer zone," the Superintendence argued. But after a meeting with Heritage Malta and MEPA held in May, the Superintendence of Cultural Herit- age issued its clearance for the de- velopment, after plans were changed to address some of its concerns. In its letter, the Superintendence still noted that the development will take place in an archeologically sensitive area "located 10 metres away from the Ta' Hagrat temples". But the Superintendence justified its clearance for the development, citing new plans presented by the de- veloper limiting construction to the development zone, and the removal of the originally proposed swimming pool and driveway. It also noted that no rock cutting was to take place on the sensitive site. The case officer report still called on the Environment Planning Com- mission to refuse this development, since part encroached on an Outside Development Zone. News Ta' Hagrat temples unspared by 2006 rationalisation exercise The World Heritage site of Ta' Hagrat dates from around 3600-3200 BC, and is one of the earliest temple buildings in Malta. The temple is smaller than many of the islands' temples, at 15 metres' length internally, but it is better preserved. The temple, with its characteristic, imposing façade, is almost undoubtedly a partner to Skorba temples lying just a kilometre away. Ta' Hagrat comprises a double temple consisting of two adjacent buildings both of which are less formally planned than is usual in temple construction. MIRIAM DALLI AN Alternattiva Demokratika activist was first insulted and then assaulted in Nadur Friday night by two hunters from Qala. After having been insulted, David Camilleri – who contest- ed the 2013 general elections on the Green Party ticket – was punched in the stomach by one of the two hunters. The attackers are believed to be in their early twenties. When Camilleri tried to de- fend himself, the second young- ster pounced on to him too and the two proceeded to beat him up. The incident happened at around 11:55pm during what Camilleri described as a "street party". At one point, while he was discussing hunting with a young man, a second person ap- proached them telling his friend not to speak "to this bastard" (lil dak il-liba tkellmux), referring to Camilleri. Camilleri and the youth ig- nored him, however the young man returned, pointed his finger towards Camilleri and ordered his friend to stop talking to the Green Party activist. "I turned back and asked him who was he calling a bastard, and he replied 'you' and punched me in the stomach," Camilleri told MaltaToday, admitting he hit him back in the face. Suddenly, the attacker's friend intervened and punched Camill- eri on his nose. The two young men pushed him and the 51- year-old fell to the ground. Camilleri left the scene and called in at the Nadur police sta- tion to file a police report. The officer in charge advised him to go to the hospital. A medical certificate seen by MaltaToday confirms that Camilleri suffered slight inju- ries, including abrasions and a bloodied nose. Camilleri, who studied and lived in New York before re- turning to Malta in 2010, at- tracted public attention when he set up a cage with himself in it, symbolising the plight of the caged birds in Malta. Following his exploits in 2000, his artwork was exhibited at the National Museum of Fine Arts. Green Party activist assaulted by two hunters in Gozo AD activist David Camilleri