James Debono
Residents from the quaint Gozitan village of Ghasri were shocked to see trucks and tractors levelling the countryside surrounding the villa previously owned by former President Agatha Barbara.
Twenty-five years ago, Barbara controversially decided to build her villa on the slopes of Ghammar hill, right in the centre of the pristine, terraced meadows facing the splendid views of the Ta’ Pinu Church.
Now the villa has changed ownership, and environmentalists say the surrounding countryside is being levelled and “ugly” stone walls being erected around the villa.
Works were even being conducted on Sunday morning to the extent that Ghasri residents were disturbed by noise from the construction site during mass.
The Malta Environment and Planning Authority took no notice of the works until a report was filed by a resident. Upon receiving the report, MEPA reacted by issuing a stop notice against the new development.
Still, a month after the enforcement was issued the illegalities have not been removed.

jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt

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