Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/858250
8 JAMES DEBONO THE Superintendence for Cultural Heritage is calling for a full survey of the Ħarq Ħammiem cave, close to St George's Bay, in view of the db Group's proposed City Centre project on the site formerly occu- pied by the Institute for Tourism Studies. The City Centre multi-use de- velopment includes a 464-room 5-star hotel, 162 residences, com- mercial office space, a shopping mall, a casino, restaurants and a basement car park. The survey of the underlying cave has to include the full extent and depth of the cave; and the sur- veyed features of the cave have to be presented independently "as an overlay of the plans and sections of the proposed development". The Superintendence has also called for a geophysical report on the cave, which should "include statements on the stability of the cave and surrounding bedrock." The Ħarq Ħammiem cave com- plex was designated as an area of Ecological Importance and Site of Scientific Importance in 2008. The cave complex is the largest mean sea level cave complex containing freshwater in Malta. Nature Trust Malta has already expressed concern that excava- tion works in close proximity could lead to a possible collapse of the cave structure, in view of the geological formation of the area, which is composed of Lower Coralline Limestone. Moreover Nature Trust warns that the cave water could end up being contam- inated by the sewerage systems, fuel storage and desalination and Reverse Osmosis plants. In its memo the Superintend- ence also called for the surveying of the historic military buildings. The proposed development will also be subjected to a Heritage Im- pact Assessment (HIA) for which the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage will draw up terms of ref- erence. A report by the Environment and Resources Authority drafted in April has warned that the risk of subsidence in the large subter- ranean cavern at Ħarq Ħammiem, just off St George's Bay, posed by high-rise development remains unclear, and further studies are needed to establish the impact of vibrations on the geology of the area. "The project may lead to sub- sidence of the roof on the large subterranean cavern at Ħarq Ħammiem," a screening report by the ERA on the proposed develop- ment on the former Institute of Tourism Studies site said, adding that "the risk of subsidence on the large subterranean cavern at Ħarq Ħammiem is currently unclear". According to a project develop- ment statement presented by the developers, plans have already been modified to protect the caves by pushing the hotel more to the east, with the western wing of the original proposal completely re- moved, in order to avoid "impos- ing excessive loading in the area of Għar Ħarq Ħammiem", which is located on the western part of the site. The original draft of the North Harbour Local Plan, published in 1999, had identified the Moynihan House area in St George's Bay as a site for a car park. This was to be incorporated in commercial and residential facilities. But the project was abandoned following a detailed study of the nearby cave, which was commis- sioned by the Planning Authority and revealed that it was far larger than originally thought. The cave was found to open up and the water in it reached a depth of 52 metres below sea level. The surface of the water was found to be at a depth of 16 metres below sea level. maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 AUGUST 2017 News Environment & Resources Authority Hexagon House, Spencer Hill, Marsa. CAREER OPPORTUNITY The Environment & Resources Authority is seeking to employ specialised officers to join a growing team. Interested applicants must possess interpersonal, communication and time management skills and be able to work within a team. Senior Officer (Engineer) Jobs Plus Permit No. 96/2016 This Authority is recruiting a Senior Officer (Engineer) to monitor and assist in the various competences of the Authority including compliance monitoring. The position requires a Bachelors Degree (MQF Level 6) in one of the following: Mechanical, Electrical or Electronics Engineering recognised by NCFHE, a warrant to practise as an Engineer and a minimum of three (3) years post graduate experience in engineering, preferably in a related field. Senior Officer (Support Services) Jobs Plus Permit No. 596/2016 This Authority is recruiting a Senior Officer (Support Services) to oversee and maintain Health & Safety, Security and proper up keeping of the main premises and other property that falls under the responsibility of the Authority. The Officer shall be pro-active in Health & Safety matters, ensure that assets are well maintained, investigate and write reports, conduct risk assessments and respond to emergency calls when necessary. The position requires a Full Diploma in Social Studies (Occupational Health & Safety) (MQF Level 5) or comparable qualification as recognised by the NCFHE and a minimum of three (3) years working experience performing similar work. Assistant Officer (ICT) Jobs Plus Permit No. 450/2016 This Authority is recruiting an Assistant Officer (ICT) to develop and implement a number of projects dealing with Information Systems. The Officer will also be responsible for maintaining the ICT systems within the Authority. The position requires a Bachelor's Degree (MQF Level 6) in one of the following: Computer Science, Information Systems Development or comparable qualification as recognized by NCFHE. Preference will be given to individuals in possession of a recognised qualification or experience in Software Development and Geographical Information Systems Secretary Jobs Plus Permit No. 544/2016 This Authority is recruiting a number of Secretaries to provide an advanced standard of secretarial support within the Authority. The position requires at least four (4) 'O' level passes including Maltese and English, a recognised advanced secretarial training course, be computer literate, good verbal and written communication skills and a minimum of three (3) years experience performing secretarial work in a professional organization. Secretarial Assistant Jobs Plus Permit No. 642/2016 This Authority is recruiting a number of Secretarial Assistants to provide general secretarial support within the Authority. The position requires at least four (4) 'O' level passes including Maltese and English, a recognised basic secretarial training course, be computer literate, good verbal and written communication skills and a minimum of one (1) year experience performing secretarial work in a professional organization. For further information, visit the careers page on our website: http://era.org.mt/en/Pages/Current-Vacancies.aspx Interested candidates are advised to submit their application, together with a detailed curriculum vitae and a copy of their qualifications by noon of 25th August 2017 (CET) quoting the respective position and Jobs Plus permit number, via email on vacancies.era@era.org.mt Superintendence calls for survey of Harq Hammiem cave The risk of subsidence in the cave posed by high-rise development remains unclear Outline of the Harq Hammiem sea level cave complex