Proposed airstrip dotted with archaeological remains!

Proposed site for Gozo airstrip, dotted with archaeological remains, is drowning in waste
by FRANCESCA VELLA

Ta’ Lambert, the main site earmarked for the proposed airstrip in Gozo, is dotted with important archaeological remains, but it is truly going to the dogs, as waste is dumped there illegally on a daily basis, this newspaper has learnt.

Despite enforcement notices issued by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority regarding the illegal dumping of waste at the site, it has turned into a horrible, foul-smelling dump.

Alternattiva Demokratika recently held a press conference at Ta’ Lambert on the matter, saying that “either the authorities are turning a blind eye to certain individuals, or, that the government, contrary to its much-vaunted eco-Gozo campaign, is hell-bent on irreparably harming the long term sustainability of Gozo as a quality tourist destination”.

AD spokesman for Gozo Victor Galea told The Malta Independent on Sunday yesterday that he went to have a look at Ta’ Lambert on Friday, and said the situation had worsened since the party held the press conference at the beginning of last month. Animal carcasses are also being dumped there now, he added.

The site is mostly mentioned because of its close proximity to the non-operational heliport, and the fact that it is the main site earmarked for the proposed airstrip.

Little importance is given to the site’s archaeological remains, including cart ruts, which the Gozo Ministry itself mentions on its website and gives directions on how to get there. How could the ministry promote a site that has been turned into a dump? READ HERE

Even the Environmental Impact Assessment report on the Tal-Kus Waste Transfer Facility, close to Ta’ Lambert, makes reference to the “site in vicinity of area is of archaeological value”.

The archaeological and cultural heritage features identified within 500 metres of the site include a number of vernacular structures such as rubble walls and agricultural stores.

The site is also home to St Cecilia’s Tower and St Cecilia’s Chapel – the only chapel in Gozo that dates back to medieval times – as well as Ghar ix-Xih, which is important for the rock-cut features carved on the cave’s walls and the surrounding garigue.

One of the fields at Ta’ Lambert also has a stone alignment, consisting of a row of six large stones that may have formed part of a much larger megalithic structure, possibly buried underground.

Joe Muscat, from the Gozo Tourism Association told this newspaper that whenever presentations on the heliport are made to the authorities, reference is always made to the fact that the area has been turned into a dumping site.

Indeed, illegal dumping has been going on for years; the first enforcement notice was issued in 1996, a year before Roy Perry proposed the idea of building an extension to the non-operational helipad.

Asked what the GTA was doing to stop the illegal dumping at Ta’ Lambert, Mr Muscat said the association always puts pressure on the authorities by insisting that the island’s “product has to be taken care of”.

But he spent more time talking about the proposed airstrip, which he said is necessary as a means of providing alternative access to Gozo. He added that it does not necessarily have to be built at Ta’ Lambert.

“Access means success. We have a very good link to Malta by sea, but that does not mean we should not have an alternative in the form of a financially viable air link using a fixed wing aircraft. We’re not talking about an airport; that would not make sense considering the island’s infrastructure.

“Gozo is not a crib; it is not a place where people simply move to when they reach retirement age. We need to strike a balance between the rural character of the place and development as a means of sustaining the tourism industry.”

He acknowledged the need for a study on the impact that the airstrip would have on the environment, agriculture, and archaeological remains.

Time is pressing however, he said, insisting on the need for a solution to have an airstrip in Gozo.

But AD’s Victor Galea is not convinced, particularly because so many people have been so secretive about the airstrip issue.

“The GTA and the GBC (Gozo Business Chamber) are all for an airstrip in Gozo (specifically on this archaeological site). At the same time, they have been extremely silent about the dumping of waste at Ta’ Lambert. What do we really want for Gozo?”


Xewkija Temple in Malta : In collaboration with British Archaeological Jobs Resource Contents: Natural stones or ancient megalithic remains in Coate? Reprint of Xewkija temple report A brief history of Stonehenge theories Underwater excavations of a Turkish prehistoric settlement 4,000-year-old 'Abraham's Gate' reopened to public Rare Iron Age bowls unearthed in Wales Walkers are dismantling ancient Yorkshire cairnsa New technology for dating ancient rock paintings 6,000-year old cave paintings found in Peru Bronze Age burial site damaged by Scottish Police Speaker: David Connolly (BAJR) Â Listen to the weekly Archaeo News. Listen to Podcast HERE

Malta IS a concrete jungle...let's Gozo NOW!

Monday, 26th January 2009

Gozo airstrip still seems pie in the sky

Christian Peregin

Those who for years have been making proposals to have a reliable air link to Gozo fear nothing concrete will ever be done, even though the government said recently it was open to "economically feasible" suggestions.

The island has been without a land-based air connection since the helicopter service was stopped in 2005. It is only served by a seaplane from Grand Harbour, a service which does not run in winter.

Some people have been pushing for the infrastructure at the inactive Gozo helipad, in Xewkija, to be put back to use by building a runway as an extension.

"No one is taking it seriously," Roy Perry, who submitted the proposal in 1997, said in a disappointed voice. He added that he did not know of anyone who objected to the project, as long as it did not have adverse environmental consequences, something he said his plans guarantee.

He is just one of the enthusiasts who have come up with creative solutions to the problem of having no direct air link between Luqa airport and Gozo in the absence of the old helicopter connection.

When the service was cancelled, a seaplane operation was set up from the Grand Harbour. But this cannot function when it is dark or the sea is rough and, consequently, stops flying during the winter months. Also, since it is based at the Grand Harbour, it does not enable quick transfers from the airport to Gozo.

Mr Perry argued that in the light of the difficult year ahead for tourism, this was one project that should be concluded as soon as possible in order to create an efficient, reliable and cost-effective service. He estimates the flight would cost about €75 return and it would take 15 minutes to get from Malta to Gozo.

The secretary of the Gozo Tourism Association, Joe Muscat, has in the past argued that the seaplane is no substitute for a proper air link between the airport and Gozo. A runway was needed to attract tourism, he insisted. The operation of a fixed-wing aircraft would require a small airstrip but, in view of environmental concerns, the association has proposed that the secondary road behind the heliport, linking Għajnsielem to Xewkija, could be developed for this purpose.

The road would only be closed to traffic while aircraft were operating.

Pilot and aviation investor Victor Mercieca has come up with yet another proposal: for the runway to be built on reclaimed land at the Mġarr Harbour. However, this would be more costly and time-consuming because it would involve the building of an artificial extension to the breakwater.

The different proposals have been discussed by the authorities a number of times and, although no final decisions have been taken, all parties involved seem to agree that an air link is desirable.

The Gozo Business Chamber is all in favour of the airstrip but its president, Joe Grech, said he had received no updates about the proposals submitted.

When contacted, the Gozo Ministry said it too wanted a decision to be taken and that it was in favour of a "sustainable and reliable air service" but did not comment about the proposals available.

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M.Bezzina (on 27/1/09)

@H Dempster

Malta is a concrete jungle!!Hope you did not choose or you dont choose Malta to live when you retire!!

Victor G.Mercieca (on 26/1/09)

@ Mr.Dempster,Mr.Shields,& Mr.Green,
It appears from your comments that you are all expats retired in Gozo? & have no need to commute almost daily to work like most people do from both sides & who have to wake up in the early hours to meet the current slow surface schedule! Most level headed people realize that you are the usual armchairs critics who basically enjoy installing negative perceptions against a vital GA Airstrip(Incidently 50% of the infrastructure is in place) much needed for sustainable & consistant commerce,tourism paralleling with Malta & will also put Gozo as a direct niche GA destination from now Schengen Europe....It is true that GA in Malta is flourishing, thanks to many local dediciated professional indivisuals, aero clubs, pilots associations, flight schools with their great personal efforts & expense will certainly operate in & out of Gozo, at the great benefit of the general public as an alternative choice to commute in less time consuming, in a safe & cost effective manner!

John Azzopardi (on 26/1/09)

Gozo needs a some form of air service. period. Gozo is a forward looking island, and by denying an air service to it's inhabitant and tax paying citizens is not right. When we had the helipter service, tourist loved it. I know that there are several foreigners living in Gozo are against an air service. But, times change and the time has come for Gozo to have back some form of an air service. It's a need that cannot be denied.

James A. Tyrrell (on 26/1/09)

The same old argument which raises it’s ugly head every few months. Gozo does not need an airstrip. Roy Perry says that he knows of no one who is against it. Is he living under a stone somewhere? No one wants it period!

Also I wish people would stop using tourists like myself as an excuse for building an airstrip. Tourists like myself enjoy the peace and quiet on Gozo and the last thing we want more noise pollution and an ugly concrete scar on the face of the island.

The only people who will benefit from an airstrip on Gozo are the developers and the rich set who want to be able to fly their little planes in and out of Gozo whenever they like.

Hands off Gozo. You people have done enough harm to the island. If you want an airlink then bring back the helicopter link.

M. Cachia (on 26/1/09)

While I strongly encourage AOPA's efforts to continue pushing the authorities to make a decision regarding this matter, I must point out that light aircraft, with or without the airstrip will still remain "humming" over Gozo. Private pilot training is usually performed in the Gozo area since this is the location where commercial traffic is less likely to interfere with the training aircraft. I must also point out that these aircraft are very silent aircraft and I do not see any reason why the airstrip and hence the aircraft making use of it, would pose any threats to the tourism sector.

Rod Abela (on 26/1/09)

As secretary Aero Club Malta, I have to clarify that our club had submitted proposals to initially extend the existing 'runway' of 172m to 350m on the western side of the existing heliport. This would allow sport light aircraft to operate and to test whether the environmental concerns (noise, etc) are justified or not. On a personal basis I had supported on various occasions promoters like Franco J. Scicluna and Victor Mercieca long before Mr Perry submitted his proposals. I have a strange feeling that the anti-airstrip lobby is formed by expats living on Gozo... In any case the point is that unless Gozo is given a small 800mt runway strip it will continue to lose on the lucrative revenues generated by light aviation industry and will continue to remain isolated. This is in stark contrast with what is happening in nearby Sicily with the town of Ragusa redeveloping the former NATO airbase at Comiso and Agrigento planning to have its own airstrip. Sleep on Gozo, sleep on!

I Gatt (on 26/1/09)

Gozo may enjoy peace and tranquility and this will certainly not be jeopardised by aircraft flying in and out. It is not an international airport that we seek and aircraft movements would indeed be limited. Gozo and its nationals suffer from double insularity and with todays' dependency on logistics makes this simply unacceptable. The potential for a landing strip in Gozo is indeed high. As an organisation AOPA (Malta) has been a strong advocate in favour of such a strip. It would increase accessibility, attract a different breed of tourists, increase safety and provide rapid transit in the event of an emergency.
As can be imagined an environmental Impact assessment would indeed be carried out, however, according to feasibility studies carried out by AOPA, the impact would be minimal as we had designed the strip to replace the existing dirt road just South of the existing Heli-pad. Our presentation was well received by th GTA and representatives from Gozo's business community and we hope to have the opportunity to present this to the honorable minister for Gozo in due course. AOPA (Malta) also supports initiatives being taken by Messrs. V. Mercieca and R. Perry.
Ivan X. Gatt
President (AOPA) Malta

Peter Green (on 26/1/09)

Tourists and Maltese that come to Gozo for a holiday want total piece and quiteness. Having planes humming above the Gozo tranquil countryside is NOT good for Gozo tourism!

I honestly believe that Gozo Tourism Association lost the plot. One wonders why Gozo Ministry supports GTA with resources when GTA has lost its touch with true tourism in Gozo.

Kurt Shields (on 26/1/09)

I totally agree with Mr. Dempster. Gozo shouldn't be developed any more. We shouldn't make an airstrip.

If the road linking Ghajnsielem to Xewkija can be temporarily closed for operating aircraft, I think that will be a good solution.

However any form of development on countryside is certainly terrible and certainly isn't the right way to help tourism.

M. Cachia (on 26/1/09)

A few metres of runway strip are, in my opinion, negligible to what this airstrip might offer in the long-term. The general aviation sector in Malta has been very active in the last few years, and is becoming increasingly popular among Maltese people. The Gozo airstrip will be a means for local pilots to travel to Gozo with their private planes (hired or their own), and will also attract general aviation pilots from nearby countries. Moreover, there are companies locally which are equipped with light aircraft already and would be probably available for this business. Why use a foreign company when there are already a number of companies locally which might be interested in conducting the flights between the islands? What is the fuss all about? Environment? For a few metres of asphalt?

H Dempster (on 26/1/09)

HANDS OFF BEAUTIFUL GOZO. Dont destory it and leave it as it is , in its natural beauty.

To attract tourists one does not have to build runways. there are many islads , worldwide which are reached by ferries.

So just leave it alone, Look at Malta, it hase become a contrete jungle.

Is an air link a real necessity?

People like Franco J. Scicluna would say yes.

One of the reasons (?) Mr. Scicluna gives is that "If only a serious air service was in operation between Gozo and Malta International Airport a lot of hassle and hardship would have been avoided during the (bus) strike."
In his letter to The Times on Friday 25th July 2008 he wrote about a serious inter-island air service.

Once again, his letter provoked other people to add their comments on The Times on-line.

Here they are:

apgrech

What's wrong with extending Gozo's runway a bit and put two or three smaller aircrafts to service between Malta and Gozo? If prices are reasonable, the service will be used by many.

John Portelli
Gozo needs a viable airlink. Period. It's ridiculous that in this day and age, there is no airlink. We have gone back so much in time, it's not even funny. Is this what we call progress. Or is this a big joke.

Liam Kelly

So we're trying to justify using air transport to take us the gigantic distance of a few miles?

The spannish company stopped operating for a reason; no market.

Isn't it obvious what Roy Perry will want given is well known agenda?

The truth is it is unrealistic, unnecessary, irresponsible and down right damaging to have any form of air link to Gozo, deep down we all know that.

Hovercraft is the answer.

N Palmer

@Liam Kelly

I think you will find that Helisureste stopped operations because the cost associated with operating a helicopter in terms of maintenance and fuel far outweighed the price that people were willing to pay for the ticket.

It's not that there is no market for an air-link to Gozo but rather than it needs to be a cost effective solution, and helicopters are not the answer! This means that an air-link can only be served by a suitable fixed wing aircraft, and then one goes back to the various ongoing issues that have been discussed over the past couple of years.

Vincent Gauci

Before jumping to hasty conclusions about the need for increasing the length of the air strip in Gozo, we should see how this would feature within the concept of Gozo as an eco-island.

John Mizzi

If the heliport is not going to be used it should be decommissioned and all the buried cart ruts underneath uncovered. The Roman vine canals should be cleared as well and the whole area turned into a tourism archaeological park. The heritage superintendence should schedule the whole area ASAP. At Ta' Lambert Gozitans go to worship the Virgin Mary since they realize that the whole area is a special place.

L Galea

A Gozo aircraft link with the necessary extension to the runway is simply a continuation of the rape of Gozo. A bridge is an all-weather means of linking the Islands.

I agree with John Mizzi that the Roman vine canals be uncovered as they would serve as a tourist attraction.

How on earth can you boast of an eco-island when you want to continue to rape it to satisfy your greed and comfort?

Liam Kelly

@ N Palmer

So your saying when Helsureste did their feasibility research in the first place they thought...there's a market....so it must work....Operating costs... what are those?

Perhaps not.

Roy S. Perry

I wish to thank Franco for keeping the subject in view. The problem here is that nobody listens to exactly what is being proposed nor do they appreciate the need. There is a perfectly good ferry service for commuters in both directions. There is NOT a quick, comfortable and reliable fast link for our visitors, the elderly or infirm, those without patience or medical staff.

Go to the GozoAirlink blog and note that 85% of voters support it. Ask most Gozitans and they agree. Most of all, why don't we stop this 'pussyfooting about' and set up a meeting to exchange ideas instead of this perpetual slanging match.

An Airlink will bring discerning visitors, a bridge would ONLY be valid between communities of similar size. Most of all, I say, let Gozo decide.

By the way, I have designed and costed the idea of a bridge (actually two would be needed - via Comino - and a submersible tunnel. Both options are incredibly expensive and impractical. This, after all, is not Manhatten!

James A. Tyrrell

First of all I would like to say that I support what John Mizzi says 100%. I also agree with most of what Liam Kelly says although I don't think a hovercraft is the answer. Nor is a bridge as suggested by L Galea. The problem with a bridge apart from the obvious one of cost is that it provides easy access for criminals.

As for Roy S. Perry and his desire to concrete over more of the little island of Gozo I would be interested in knowing if he personally has a vested interest in any such development.

The only answer and the least disruptive one given the short distance involved and the small size of the island is a restoration of the helicopter service. If the Government were serious about Gozo as an Eco island then surely they would be more than willing to subsidise such a service to protect the Gozo environment.

Adrian Cardona

"The problem with a bridge apart from the obvious one of cost is that it provides easy access for criminals"
What kind of reason is that??!! Are you worried that poor crime-free Gozo will be raped and pillaged by the nefarious Maltese?

apgrech

I had a second thought. To go to Gozo by ferry say from Lija, one would have to drive to Cirkewwa. If same person have to fly to Gozo, s/he has to drive to Luqa so, it's Cikku briku plus, one can't go by car if s/he uses the aircraft.

It is amazing what reasons people who say they arte in favour of an airstrip on this little island comes up with. As if the buses strike which occured in malta mid this month are going to take place on a monthly basis! As if the sea between Malta and Gozo is going to be so rough that the 20-minute ferry will stop working!

On the otherhand it seems that for a 20 minute ferry journey, some are ready to put more tarmac and cement the whole idea once and for all.