Malta’s construction epidemic is reaching biblical proportions after fresh figures revealed that 666 applications for projects Outside the Development Zone (ODZ) in Gozo have been approved by the Planning Authority since 2017.

Speaking following a parliamentary question from MP Kevin Cutajar, Environment and Planning Minister Aaron Farrugia gave a comprehensive breakdown of the figures, revealing that Xagħra, an area facing significant development, saw the most ODZ permits, with 114 applications approved since 2017.

Nadur (60), Għajnsielem (54), and Qala (47) – all areas in the crossfires of developers – follow in terms of total ODZ applications approved.

While some of the applications will concern agricultural projects, ODZ development for private commercial interests in Gozo has hit the news in recent months, more so when business magnate Joseph Portelli, the man behind the Mercury House and Pender projects, got his plans to transform a long-abandoned countryside ruin into a villa.

In a statement after renouncing the application, Portelli’s company even said that “tens if not hundreds” of similar applications on similar sites in Outside Development Zones had been approved in the past.

Farrugia has started to kick off a process of reform with the PA, removing controversial board members and starting revisions to crucial policies like the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development.

Changes are yet to come to fruition. However, with practically one ODZ permit issued every day since 2017, the damage may already be done.

The full list can be found here.