Momentum seeks answers to works being carried out in Gozo’s valleys
Momentum has submitted a Freedom of Information request seeking detailed information about cleaning, rehabilitation and other works that have been carried out or are currently being carried out in valleys across Gozo.
Cleanup works have been undertaken in Gozo’s valleys, but they remain shrouded in mystery, with very limited publicly available professional information explaining what works have been carried out, why they were necessary, what methods were used, and what impact they may have on the natural environment.
The works were highlighted by Minister Clint Camilleri, who shared a video showing works carried out during the summer: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1663617905770740
In light of the importance of Gozo’s valleys as natural, ecological and rural areas, Momentum believes that the public should have access to proper documentation concerning such interventions. Through its FOI request, Momentum is asking for a list of the valleys and locations where works have taken place, together with the dates on which the works started and were completed.
The request also seeks copies of technical advice, ecological and environmental studies, and reports prepared before the works commenced, together with the names, qualifications and roles of the experts involved. It is also requesting information on the machinery and methods used, including the type and quantity of material removed and where this material was transported or disposed of.
The FOI request further asks for reports, surveys, photographs and other documentation showing the condition of the sites before and after the interventions, as well as copies of all relevant permits, authorisations and environmental assessments.
Of particular interest is how protected species were actually protected.
Information is also being requested on the entities and contractors responsible for the works, the total cost of the works at each location, inspection and monitoring reports, and any plans for maintenance or restoration following the interventions.
Graziella Spiteri, executive member of Momentum, said, “We have already had a bad experience with the Ta’ Qali National Picnic Area gravel saga, where, despite repeated assurances, no expert reports have been made public. Interventions in even more sensitive areas, such as our valleys, must be properly documented and subject to appropriate professional oversight. Transparency is particularly important when public funds are being used and environmentally sensitive areas are involved.
Qed nippreżenta talba skont il-liġi dwar il-Libertà tal-Informazzjoni (FOI) dwar ix-xogħlijiet ta’ tindif u riabilitazzjoni li saru jew qed isiru fil-widien f’Għawdex.
Din it-talba hija bbażata fuq il-filmat li ġej: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1663617905770740
Nitlob li tingħata l-informazzjoni u d-dokumentazzjoni li ġejja:
- Il-postijiet u d-dati: Lista tal-widien u l-postijiet fejn saru x-xogħlijiet, flimkien mad-dati tal-bidu u t-tmiem tax-xogħlijiet.
- Pariri tal-esperti: Kopji tal-pariri tekniċi, studji ekoloġiċi u ambjentali, u rapporti li saru qabel ix-xogħlijiet. Nitlob ukoll l-ismijiet, il-kwalifiki u r-rwoli tal-esperti involuti.
- Il-makkinarju u l-metodi: Lista tal-makkinarju u l-metodi użati, inkluż it-tip u l-kwantità ta’ materjal imneħħi u fejn ġie trasportat jew mormi.
- Rapporti qabel u wara: Kopji ta’ rapporti, stħarriġ, ritratti u dokumentazzjoni li juru l-kundizzjoni tal-postijiet qabel u wara x-xogħlijiet.
- Permessi u awtorizzazzjonijiet: Kopji tal-permessi, awtorizzazzjonijiet u valutazzjonijiet ambjentali relatati max-xogħlijiet.
- Kuntratturi u spejjeż: L-ismijiet tal-entitajiet u l-kuntratturi responsabbli, kif ukoll l-ispiża totali tax-xogħlijiet f’kull post.
- Superviżjoni u monitoraġġ: Rapporti ta’ spezzjoni, dokumentazzjoni ta’ monitoraġġ u kwalunkwe pjan għal manutenzjoni jew restawr wara x-xogħlijiet.
Nitlob li l-informazzjoni tingħata f’format elettroniku.
Jekk xi informazzjoni ma tistax tingħata, nitlob li tiġi indikata r-raġuni legali speċifika u li tingħata l-informazzjoni li mhijiex eżentata.
Jekk xi waħda mill-informazzjoni mitluba ma tkunx miżmuma mill-awtorità tagħkom, nitlob li t-talba tiġi riferuta lill-awtorità rilevanti li tkun responsabbli jew li jkollha dik l-informazzjoni.
Grazzi tal-koperazzjoni tagħkom.
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