Momentum wants details on Gozo valley cleansing works

The Gozo Ministry has defended clean-up operations in Gozitan valleys following a Freedom of Information request by Momentum seeking information on the details of the clean up efforts. 

According to the ministry, more than 23,000 square metres of vegetation have so far been cleared, while over 34,000 cubic metres of waste and debris have been removed. It said all the works were properly authorised.

The ministry was responding to Momentum, which said that there was limited publicly available information on the nature of the clean-up operations, the methods used and their possible effects on the environment.

Momentum is requesting 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 party said.

Momentum noted it was particularly concerned with establishing how protected species were safeguarded throughout the interventions.

The Gozo Ministry said all required permits and approvals had been secured from the relevant authorities, including the Planning Authority and the Environment and Resources Authority. 

The ministry said the use of machinery was necessary because of the large quantities of waste and debris involved, arguing that removing such volumes manually would not have been practical.

It said the interventions were designed to remove invasive alien species that compete with native vegetation, while creating better conditions for the recovery of local habitats and biodiversity.