Photos by Daniel Cilia

New Government proposal does not reflect discussions

Din l-Art Ħelwa (DLĦ) strongly opposes the current proposal to widen the Victoria to Marsalforn road. The most recent proposal does not reflect the spirit of the NGO’s discussions with the Ministry of Gozo concerning the preservation of the natural environment in the Marsalforn valley.

Despite efforts to reach a more sustainable solution, the proposal still includes the alarming removal of a significant number of trees, down from 195 to an unacceptable 183.

We had engaged in good faith discussions, under the premise that eliminating the cycling lane would significantly impact the overall land use in the project area. The removal of the proposed cycling lane, measuring 1.50 metres wide across a 3.5-kilometer stretch, should have resulted in a reduction by at least 5,000 square meters of the land take up. However, this does not seem to have been acknowledged in the current proposal.

Additionally, we would like to highlight that the local cyclists’ NGO ROTA initially opposed the idea of widening the road, favouring a viable alternative mobility route instead of a leisurely country path. On behalf of ROTA, DLĦ requested the relevant editable digital file to facilitate the investigation of this alternative that would not require the uprooting of trees. Unfortunately, this file has yet to be provided to us.

Our steadfast view remains that the primary stretch of road down the valley to Marsalforn should not be altered. After months of deliberation, we had hoped to see a genuine reflection in the proposed plans of our shared commitment to safeguarding the beauty of this valley, its trees, and its tranquil atmosphere.

DLĦ is not prepared to sanction this proposal as it stands and will continue to advocate for a solution that aligns with our collective vision of preservation and sustainability. We encourage all stakeholders to reconsider the proposal.