An environmental NGO has accused the authorities of failing to protect archaeology in Gozo after excavation work started at a construction site close to the scheduled Santa Verna Temple buffer zone near Ġgantija temples. Neighbours had reported the presence of bones and pottery in the exposed subsoil, yet the excavated debris was being disposed of without being archaeologically examined, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar said. In a statement, it recalled that the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage had attested that: “there is a risk that ground disturbance in this area may uncover cultural heritage features”. The superintendence imposed the condition that any clearing or excavation works are to be monitored by an archaeologist. The superintendence also warned that the discovery of items of cultural heritage may require the amendment of approved development plans and the rerouting of services. FAA said the current excavation works had exposed supposedly protected caves on the site, yet far from amending the approved plans, work was continuing unabated. The Planning Authority, it said, had refused to send officers to inspect the site, claiming it only acted on the infringement of...
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