Historic core of Victoria ‘under threat’

Gozo NGO Wirt Għawdex has written to the Planning Authority and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage to express its grave concern regarding the uncontrolled spree of development in the historic centre of Rabat in Gozo which is rapidly changing the face and characteristics of the core of the old part of the town.

"While noting positively that there is a sustained move by individuals to re‐use old and derelict buildings in the core of Rabat, yet Wirt Għawdex feels that either permissions are being given freely for individuals to dismantle old buildings and build new ones or else the conditions imposed by the Planning Authority are being abusively flouted."

Wirt Għawdex said it was never against development so long as it is carried out in a controlled manner and in total respect towards the area where development is taking place. It noted that there are scores of pending development applications with at least 3 applications for the demolition of old buildings in the core of Rabat which if granted "would continue to destroy the original fabric of the old town of Gozo and in a few years it would no longer have anything 'historic' but new three storey buildings lining narrow and winding streets."

Wirt Ghawdex also sent the letter to the SCH, "whose sacrosanct duty is to safeguard our heritage above all other interests."

The NGO said that up to some years ago, applications for development of properties in village cores "were treated with maximum reserve something which seems to be missing when considering applications nowadays.

Wirt Għawdex strongly feels that not enough monitoring is done once the application is approved and work is started. Monitoring during the whole development process by the Planning Authority and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, needs to be much stricter in locations such as old Rabat even when the application indicates only minor alterations/modifactions. This is required since, unfortunately, these 'minor' works sometimes morph into much more intensive works or even demolition of the building without obtaining permission from the authorities."

Wirt Għawdex reminded the PA and the SCH of their obligations to safeguard our heritage which took thousands of years to be formed but which would quickly disappear under the uncontrolled maneuvers of bulldozers and jackhammers.

"Turning a blind eye to such uncontrolled development would make the authorities concerned partners in the destruction of our dear heritage," the group said.

 

 

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