MEPA issues enforcement against Nadur parish

The breach identified by MEPA consisted in variations in the layout of the graves and  the excavation and roofing of passages between the graves which resulted in “a passage below the ground.”

But following the planning enforcement, the parish priest applied to sanction the excavations beneath the graves with the aim of creating  “a humidity barrier around the graves.”

He also applied to develop a “basement ossuary and store beneath chapel” and to “decrease the number of graves and increase in soft areas.”

The 600 grave cemetery located in  Triq Ghajn Qasab (the road leading to Ramla l-Hamra), was approved in 2006 despite objections by farmers who fear the contamination of the natural springs used to irrigate farms in the area.

MEPA approved the development despite the Planning Directorate’s disparagement and MEPA’s own heritage committee sounding the alarm. An environment impact assessment was never conducted.

An appeal against the cemetery approval is still being held.