Image Source : Gozo.news
A contentious road project in Gozo has sparked outrage among environmentalists, with the Ministry of Transport announcing plans to uproot 183 trees to make way for the new road. The decision has been met with fierce opposition from a local NGO, which has expressed deep distrust in the Ministry’s ability to protect the environment.
According to the Ministry, the road project is necessary to improve the island’s infrastructure and enhance connectivity. However, the NGO has argued that the project’s environmental impact has not been adequately assessed, and that the Ministry’s track record on environmental protection is woefully inadequate. The NGO’s skepticism is fueled by concerns that the Ministry is prioritizing development over environmental protection, and that the uprooting of 183 trees will have a devastating impact on Gozo’s ecosystem.
In an attempt to mitigate the environmental damage, the Ministry has highlighted plans to plant over 300 indigenous trees in the area. However, the NGO remains unconvinced, arguing that the new trees will not compensate for the loss of mature trees that provide vital habitat for local wildlife. The NGO is calling for a more comprehensive environmental impact assessment and for the Ministry to reconsider its plans in light of the potential environmental damage.
The controversy surrounding the Gozo road project highlights the ongoing tensions between development and environmental protection in Malta. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of sustainable development, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of the Maltese islands.
