Post by L Roebuck on Aug 8, 2006 7:47:35 GMT -5
Archaeologically rich Nadur caves destroyed
A Gozitan developer yesterday destroyed caves that have been certified by heritage authorities as being archaeologically rich in Nadur, as residents tried in vain to stop the destruction by alerting authorities.
The site lies in Telegraph Street where applicants Maria Vella and Fredu Cini have been demolishing two adjacent buildings to construct apartments, garages and a swimming pool, but the contractor yesterday went further than allowed by the MEPA permit, destroying the caves and dumping rubble in them, despite the archaeological remains inside.
An inspection conducted by officers of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage last July found the site to include caves and archaeological remains of cultural heritage value that had to be conserved.
The superintendence said in a report following inspections on site that whoever damages the area would be breaching the Cultural Heritage Act.
Concerned residents tried stopping the construction by calling MEPA yesterday but were told the responsibility would lie with the heritage superintendence. An officer at the superintendence however told them they had no enforcement officers to stop the development. Police were also called on site but said they were not authorised to intervene.
Alternattiva Demokratika’s Gozo committee said it will be raising the issue officially tomorrow although it may already be too late.
“At this rate they are going to destroy the whole area by the time the authorities respond,” said Alternattiva’s spokesman for Gozo Victor Galea.
Malta Article: www.maltatoday.com.mt/2006/08/06/t4.html
A Gozitan developer yesterday destroyed caves that have been certified by heritage authorities as being archaeologically rich in Nadur, as residents tried in vain to stop the destruction by alerting authorities.
The site lies in Telegraph Street where applicants Maria Vella and Fredu Cini have been demolishing two adjacent buildings to construct apartments, garages and a swimming pool, but the contractor yesterday went further than allowed by the MEPA permit, destroying the caves and dumping rubble in them, despite the archaeological remains inside.
An inspection conducted by officers of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage last July found the site to include caves and archaeological remains of cultural heritage value that had to be conserved.
The superintendence said in a report following inspections on site that whoever damages the area would be breaching the Cultural Heritage Act.
Concerned residents tried stopping the construction by calling MEPA yesterday but were told the responsibility would lie with the heritage superintendence. An officer at the superintendence however told them they had no enforcement officers to stop the development. Police were also called on site but said they were not authorised to intervene.
Alternattiva Demokratika’s Gozo committee said it will be raising the issue officially tomorrow although it may already be too late.
“At this rate they are going to destroy the whole area by the time the authorities respond,” said Alternattiva’s spokesman for Gozo Victor Galea.
Malta Article: www.maltatoday.com.mt/2006/08/06/t4.html