This budget was another continuous bonanza of the Labour Government, total commitment in elevating the income and social needs of the whole population. This is the truth and nothing but the truth.

Pay packets, Social Services, Pensions and adjustment for Pensioners like me born prior to 1962 (something which I wasn’t aware with others previously) Electrical Subsidies, Children’s Allowances, Increases in Students Stipends, Additional Children Allowances and so many other Social Benefits including the rise in Housing Rent Subsidies and others, makes this budget one of the most generous of the continuous social contributions carried out by the present Government.

These are aspects which one and all should be pleased about.

As a Gozitan I was very glad to see the inclusion of past and present projects that will now be finalised during this legislation. The monies delegated for these projects and their completion dates were also noted.

This is certainly good news as some projects have been on the threshold for several years.

Let me list these as announced:

1. The Primary School in Victoria and the Middle School Extension. Nadur Primary School. Old People’s Home in Ghajnsielem.

2. Middle School extension and renovation. This also has been going for some time now.

3. Six million euro for Nadur School. I believe that this is already done and as a matter of fact even the E.U. President has visited the school recently.

4. Opening of an Old People’s Home in Ghajnsielem.

5. The new Health Centres in Victoria and Qala.

6. The subsidies for the Fast Ferry Service which has proven to be an asset for Gozitan students and also tourists. A service which couldn’t have been financially profitable if not for the 2 million in euro subsidies

7. Sannat Main Square which was initiated by Sannat Mayor is also included.

8. At last the Gozo Museum which has taken a very long number of years. This also has been finalised for completion.

9. Lastly was the vote for 58 million euro in EU funding for Sustainable Urban Development. Quite a handsome amount of monies. This is predicted to be for “A Ring Fencing.” No further detail was given on this so it is unclear what this will exactly entail.

There are also monies dedicated for Cultural Activities which is something which is most welcome and one has to say that there was already a big improvement in Gozo for such activities.

All of these projects are necessary and required for Gozo, except one in my humble opinion.

This is the project for the Xewkija Air Strip.

What is the need for this? For somebody in many months can come to Gozo with a private small airplane? As far as I know nobody in Gozo has a private airplane nor does anyone need one in Gozo.

Hotel and private business owners do not possess a private airplane. So what exact;y is this useless project being envisaged for?

To take away the tranquillity of Ghajnsielem and Xewkija Residents? To have private local planes practising parachute jumping in Gozo? To have the new technological robots practising their sports in Gozo as nobody accepted them in Malta?

What Gozo Still Needs

More specialists visiting Gozo Hospital and not only at the private clinics.

A MRI Machine in Gozo which thankfully is included in this budget.

The rejuvenation and maintenance of the Gozo Hospital, particularly repairs to fix the water problems on the lower floor which I saw being flooded by water when I was a patient there.

The Cultural Needs in General for future Projects in Gozo which I will list hereunder:

1. Chambray outer walls – Polverista and The Knights Hall all three of which fall under Central Government responsibility.

2. The Trunciera in Zewwieqa/Qala/Ghajnsielem Area.

3. Ghar Gerduf Historical Cave which this present administration ably acquired all the remaining field area in front of.

4. Mgarr Ix-Xini Pumping Station and the Valley to be declared as a Heritage Park.

5. The Mixta Cave in Ghar Ilma.

6. Ghar Ix-Xih

7. Plague Hospital – Doctors House – Cholera and Plague Hospital in Xaghra and the Outer Circle.

8. Ta’ Verna Caves

9. The Olives Presses (Dye Pans 13 in Number).

10. The Tac-Cawla Archaeological Sites

And so many others like The St Augustine’s Underground Priests Habitat which still has two caves blocked by stones.

Last but not least, the Aqueducts on the Rabat Road leading to Ta’ Pinu Church.

Keeping Gozo Rural

We need to put a stop to the over excessive building taking place all over Gozo which is ruining our island. Locals are fed up with seeing cranes all over. I, like many others do not think that the Gozitan population has grown this fast, so why all these buildings which are ruining our habitat and way of life?

In the budget there is listed that this administration wants to preserve the rural aspects of Gozo, therefore please do this urgently! This ruinous development is solely for the greedy needs of a few developers who always want more and more money in their pockets.

Why also, are Gozo streets, embankments and squares taken over by so many illegalities/tables/chairs that even if an ambulance wants to enter urgently it can’t proceed as has already happened on many occasions.

Why are our public beaches taken over by commercial businesses with no end in sight? Is this right for the normal citizen? Or shall a chosen few just continue to do as they please with these public properties?

These are vital things that if regulated properly can make Gozo a much better place for all of its inhabitants.

This is my personal opinion on the positivity of the budget and proposals for a much better future for Gozo.

Lino DeBono

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

Permalink: Labour Party Budget 2024, by Lino DeBono