The publication of the Gozo Regional Development Authority’s – Gozo Regional Development Strategy, has been welcomed by ADPD – The Green Party.

It said that “on paper, the Gozo strategy reflects ADPD’s stance along the years.”

ADPD – The Green Party Chairperson and candidate for the European Parliament Sandra Gauci said, “from our first observations of the strategy it seems that the document confirms what we have been emphasising on all along – the need for reform of the local plans, in this case that of Gozo.

She stressed that “the rationalisation exercise of 2006 needs to be reversed and without much delay a moratorium should be introduced on large residential building projects.”

The fact that the data released from the census clearly shows that 45% of residential property in Gozo is empty or rarely used should ring the regulatory authorities’ alarm bells, Gauci said.

She highlighted the fact that “so far it seems that no action has been taken shows without a doubt that regulatory authorities are not effective. Pedestrianisation of village cores should be prioritised, reclaiming streets for people.”

Sandra Gauci warned that, “if these decisions are not taken expeditiously there is the risk that the valid proposals in the strategy will remain, once again, simply on paper. Serious investment is needed in clean transport, such as pedelecs. This means safer roads that really serve people’s needs.”

She concluded by saying, “it also seems that the Government has at last realised what we have been saying all along, that the tunnel project between Malta and Gozo does not make sense. It will not solve any problems but create new ones, it will increase traffic and pollution in Gozo and render Gozo an extension of Malta.”

ADPD – The Green Party Secretary General and candidate for the European Parliament Ralph Cassar said that he hopes that Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri “has the will and the political appetite to push forward the ecological transformation of Gozo.”

“The use of technology in agriculture is a challenge that requires a lot of training and attention because we are not used to this type of technology in this rather traditional field,” he said. “But it is an important challenge that we need to face, for the better use of water resources, and for a more sustainable agriculture.”

Cassar stated that “for an effective and modern transformation of the Gozitan economy, digitisation is essential, as well as an effective circular economy, efficiency in energy use and zero-carbon renewable energy. The exclusive use of green technology is key to this transformation.”

He stressed that, “Gozo should be the first region in Malta to generate all its electricity from renewable energy sources by the year 2030. This will mean that Gozo will reach its targets far before Malta, but also that specialised green jobs are created on the island.”

Cassar concluded by saying, “it seems that the Government has finally started to talk sensibly about serious planning. More details are needed, and we expect clear targets to be established. Talk is not enough, we sincerely hope that Government passes from words to action.”

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