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Doubts emerge on Qawra beach project A new sandy beach for Qawra point being proposed by the Malta Tourism Authority would come “at great environmental cost”, preliminary studies by MEPA show. The studies claim that extending the sandy beach will require ‘sand retention structures’ to be built, which could have a negative aesthetic and environmental impact. The number of structures was even found to be greater than what was initially envisioned. The MTA is arguing that the sandy beach is necessary for the St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba and Qawra area which attracts 350,000 tourists annually, the majority of whom do not travel to beaches outside the area. Beaches around the coast consist of very small pockets of cobbles, shingle, or sand. The project would repair and resurface existing roads around the coast, provide parking areas, and new diving facilities. In the meantime, another project in the same area for a marine aquarium is still on track. MEPA is engaging in “competitive dialogue” with four contractors bidding for the project. The aquarium was first proposed in 2003, to be located beneath an existing car park to the south of the Fra Ben restaurant. Lack of interest from the private sector has delayed the project. Any comments? |
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