It is the only known fully submerged terrestrial cave in Malta, but the future of the little-known Għar Ħarq il-Ħammiem is now up in the air after the Planning Authority approved a massive development project on the former Villa Rosa site in St Julian’s. 

Formed in the last Ice Age, the cave is as large as the Mosta dome, is composed of two chambers interconnected by a narrow tunnel, and is home to the rare albino shrimp. It has a maximum depth of 52 metres below sea level, and the water is freshwater at the surface and seawater in the deep.  

Yet its long-term future has been rendered uncertain after the Planning Authority last week approved the development of a hotel, offices and villas on the St Julian’s-Pembroke site, including as much as seven metres inside the cave’s 30m buffer zone. 

Photo: Niki Caruana 

The developers cited geological reports showing limited chainsaw excavation works can take place as close as within 15m of the cave, but environmental NGOs pointed to a 2015 geological survey by Peter Gatt which indicated the cave complex might extend over a larger area than currently believed. The three members of the Planning Authority board who voted against the development all cited concerns about the underground cave. 

The decision prompted people to take to social media to express their anger and disgust at the PA’s decision. 

“They won’t be happy until the last piece of heritage is built over and Malta becomes an historically desolate place,” one person commented. “What makes Malta great IS its heritage and natural structures which are unique in Europe. We will become just another urban development devoid of character and charm.”

“Good bye Għar Ħarq Ħammiem … it may have taken many thousands of years to make you, but I’m afraid you are just not worth keeping as you are not putting any vile euros into the pockets of developers, politicians and planners,” another person said. “I’m afraid that their greed is greater than your need for protection. What next? Knock down the temples to make room for a McDonalds?”

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Tim Diacono

Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]