Cabinet approves Gozo strategy document and plans to safeguard Hondoq

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Tuesday that the Cabinet has approved the Gozo Regional Development Strategy document that outlines the vision for Gozo for the next ten years.

He explained that the document looks at Gozo as “an island of villages, each with its own particular identity and characteristics.”

Abela, in a video on his Facebook page, said that this document was drawn up together with various NGOs, stakeholders and the Gozitan society.

He said that “in recent years Gozo has made many steps going forward. Now we must continue to build and consolidate these important developments.”

Abela said that this will be “a Gozo that has more open spaces, a Gozo where we protect the landscape, a Gozo that has strong connectivity, Gozo as an island of opportunities.”

The Prime Minister announced that the Cabinet had also approved a document related to the protection of Hondoq ir Rummien which will be open for public consultation.

The document will see a change in local plans so that Hondoq remains untouched or otherwise threatened by any development, as has been the case for the last 22 years, the Prime Minister said.

Abela reiterated the Government’s position that “Hondoq remains free from any development.”

He invited the public to make their submissions “so that we can continue to ensure that this site remains untouched without development.”

File photo