Nature Trust calls for immediate action over dredging in Gozo valley

Nature Trust executive president Vincent Attard said that heavy machinery was used to dig the valley bed, meaning that the dredging could be causing irreversible damage to the valley’s ecosystem.

“Has MEPA issued a permit for these dredging works to be carried out? And if so, are the works in line with what is stipulated in the permit? Has MEPA carried out the necessary checks to see if any protected species have been affected by the dredging, and who is on site monitoring the works?” Attard asked.

“Heavy machinery should not be used to clean the valley and the authorities should use caution in such undertakings. Nature Trust encourages measures aimed at harvesting rainwater, but it has to be ensured that such measures are carried out in a way that safeguards biodiversity,” Attard said.

Attard added that the dredging works in Wied tal-Grazzja brought back ugly memories of the 1970s Riżq il-Widien project, which caused extensive damage to valley ecosystems. “Nature Trust therefore urges MEPA to take immediate action to avoid the loss of rare and possibly protected plant species found in the valley.”