Prime Minister Robert Abela has met with the seven Gozitan organisations making up the coalition Ghal Ghawdex, when they presented him with their proposals for Gozo.

The Prime Minister said that the government is looking at more incentives to “direct investment and options in Gozo towards the protection of the heart of the villages and the natural environment, among others.”

He explained that, among others, the government needs to “build on existing initiatives such as the schemes for the purchase of properties in an urban conservation area.”

While listening, to the proposals put forward by Ghal Ghawdex, the Prime Minister spoke about Gozo’s success in recent years and how the reality has changed today, “where Gozo is now a motor and not an anchor. At the same time, one must take care to protect what makes Gozo unique.”

“New initiatives are needed for Gozo and the upcoming budget must also reflect this,” said the Prime Minister,

Speaking about the open regeneration project in Victoria, Abela encouraged Ghal Ghawdex to take part in the ongoing public consultation about this project as well, because this must be one of the main projects that will bring about a big change in Gozo.”

He explained that this project looks at the regeneration of an entire area spread over an area of more than 22,000 square metres. Central to this vision is the fact that the area that is currently occupied by a parking lot, will be transformed into an open space accessible to everyone.

The Prime Minister Robert Abela also noted the decision that Hondoq “should remain untouched” and explained that the government has “consistently sent a message against the development of Hondoq.”

Ghal Ghawdex members are – the Gozo Regional Council, Din l-Art Helwa Gozo, Ghawdix, Wirt Ghawdex, Gozo Business Chamber, Gozo Tourism Association and the Gozo University Group, and representatives were present at the meeting.

Photo: DOI/Jason Borg

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