Victoria-Marsalforn Road Project To Proceed Despite Controversy Over ‘Environmental Massacre’
Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri has faced criticism after breaking his pledge to revise the plans for the €9 million road widening project between Victoria and Marsalforn in Gozo, despite concerns about its environmental impact.
The Planning Authority’s Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT) rejected an appeal by Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) against the project’s permit (PA3000/19), allowing it to move forward as is.
The project, which aims to transform the picturesque tree-lined road into a four-lane thoroughfare with a bicycle lane, will result in the loss of approximately 300 mature indigenous trees and a significant portion of arable farmland.
Critics have referred to the endeavour as an “environmental massacre,” highlighting the destruction of agricultural land, trees, and soil.
A report by The Shift News stated that the Gozo Ministry has already awarded the €9 million tender to Prax Ltd, a company owned by developer Joseph Portelli and his associates, Daniel Refalo and Mark Agius.
It is worth noting that Prax Ltd operates an illegal concrete plant in Kerċem, a publicly-owned quarry, which the government has allowed to continue operating.
Despite the project’s controversial nature and public opposition, Minister Camilleri did not fulfill his promise to revise the plans to mitigate environmental damage.
The original designs, developed by PL Party Secretary William Lewis, will be implemented as planned. Requests for an explanation from Minister Camilleri have gone unanswered, leaving citizens and environmental groups questioning the necessity of the project and speculating about the potential reasons for its implementation.
The road, which is a Gozo landmark, experiences congestion only during August when an influx of Maltese visitors descends upon the island.
This has led to further doubts about the project’s urgency and raised suspicions about the underlying motives behind its execution.
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