During a press conference on Friday, the Government  launched the Gozo Regional Development Strategy for the coming years.

The document noted that “the need for the Gozo tunnel should be re-examined.”

It stresses that “connectivity with the mainland, has always been a determining factor for Gozo’s development, both economically as well as socially.”

The document adds that “over the years, considerable investment was made to improve such connectivity, with the Gozo Channel significantly increasing the frequency of its service and with the introduction of the fast ferry service.”

It further highlighted that the upgrading of the Gozo Heliport is currently under consideration at the Planning Authority and its eventual approval will pave the way for a permanent air link.

“In view of this, the project of linking Gozo and Malta by an underwater tunnel needs to be reconsidered and its cost benefits trade-off re-examined,” the document said.

Prime Minister Robert Abela, addressing the press conference said the policy was aimed at the needs of Gozo, and for Gozitan people live a better quality of life

The strategy for the regional development of Gozo was launched based on the concept of Gozo: Island of Villages. The Prime Minister explained that “the aim of the strategy is to trigger an economic and social transition so that the Gozo people live a better quality of life.”

This ten-year plan, drawn up by the Gozo Regional Development Authority, embraces three main principles which are the sustainable use of the environment, both urban and rural, economic growth that leads to quality of a better life, and added value to the Gozitan identity.

The Prime Minister said that the Government’s vision for Gozo is a clear one, “one that achieves the necessary balance between the economic activity and the social and environmental aspects of the island.”

“We want the Gozo people to live well, in an island with a future designed by them. Gozo’s realities are best known to the Gozo people and therefore for us it was crucial that this strategy be born from among the Gozo people,” stressed the Prime Minister.

Dr. Abela said that the implementation of this strategy will start from the next budget, with the Government looking at more incentives to direct investment and options in Gozo towards protecting the heart of the villages and the natural environment.

He mentioned how Gozo must be the driver of the ecological transition, including by being the first part of the country to be carbon neutral.

Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri stated, “we want to see that we make the best sustainable use of the land. Gozo must also move towards an economic balance that ensures a quality of life. We must again give value to the identity of Gozo because Gozo without its identity does not exist.”

Minister Camilleri went on to say that in order to achieve this vision, 8 priority areas are being presented that will lead to this vision for the next ten years being implemented.

He concluded by saying that “while we recognise that over the last few years a lot has been done and Gozo has moved forward, we must now carry out this strategy so that Gozo really reaches its potential.”

The Chief Executive of the Gozo Regional Development Authority, Mr. Mario Borg, said that the process by which this strategy was prepared was a rigorous one where a series of consultation meetings were held.

He stated that, “this strategy is one designed by Gozo for Gozo and based on everything that makes Gozo a distinct region from Malta, with its distinct qualities, opportunities and characteristics.”

Photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

 

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