Ħondoq ir-Rummien

Ħondoq ir-Rummien, the coastline below the village of Qala (Gozo, Malta) is dotted with traditional salt pans, some of which are still actively used to harvest salt throughout the summer months. On this coast is a small cove, Ħondoq ir-Rummien (which in English means, Pomegranate Moat), which is popular with snorkellers because of its deep and clear water and the small caves at water level. Access to the sea is from bathing ladders. The cove has good views over Comino. There is also a small white sand beach sheltered by a small promontory on the south/west side.

Hondoq ir-Rummien, a beautiful coastal area and bay in Qala Gozo, is one of the few remaining tracts of open countryside left in the Maltese Islands. The sea in this area boasts some of the cleanest, clearest water in all of Malta and Gozo, attracting locals and divers alike. An area of outstanding scenic beauty, it is also a vital habitat for dwindling communities of rare plants.

Hondoq ir-Rummien, in the area stretching from the depth of the quarry and eastwards along the rocky cliffside, is now being threatened by a proposed development plan to build a five star hotel catering for 170 beds, approximately 25 self-catering vcillas, 60 self-catering units, 200 multi-ownership residences, 731 underground parking spaces, 10 retail units, 5 dining facilities and a marina for between 100 to 150 craft depending on the size of the vessels..

At Hondoq-ir-Rummien there still is the sea-water distillation plant, which was constructed there in the 1960s against the will of Gozitans and at an astronomical expense by the then Nationalist Government. A monument to the irresponsibility of avid politicians who tend to cash in on public projects. Incidentally it is yet another Nationalist Government who is planning to destroy the natural beauty still existing at Hondoq-ir-Rummien if the project explained above is given the go-ahead against the wishes - once more - of all the people of Qala', as well as that of most Gozitans and Maltese. The plant was never finished due to a change in Government in 1971, and has remained in total disuse ever since.

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