GTA “truly flabbergasted” over Xewkija Council’s objection to Gozo airfield

The Gozo Tourism Association said it is “truly flabbergasted” by the announcement of the Xewkija Local Council, that it will be objecting against the development of the rural airfield in Xewkija.

Last week ^[1], at a Xewkija Local Council meeting the councillors, with a unanimous vote, agreed that the Council objects against the application for the development of an air strip within the limits of Xewkija.

The Council, which is led by Labour Mayor Simona Refalo, daughter of Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo, said it believes that “this project will be a nuisance for Xewkin residents and harmful to the environment including increased pollution and loud noises.”

The Council said it “demands that application number PA 07333/22 be suspended in order to hold an open consultation meetings for all local residents with the aim of addressing their concerns and safeguarding their interests.”

In a statement on Tuesday, the Association questioned “why is it only now the Xewkija Local Council is calling for the suspension of the airfield’s Planning Application. As part of the public consultation process the Gozo Regional Development Authority, held a meeting on the 16th of May with the same Xewkija Local Council to discuss the economic, social and environmental impact of this airfield.”

Furthermore, the Association noted that during the same consultation process, in May 2022, two meetings were held by Gozo Regional Development Authority for the general public, during which the numerous attendees had the opportunity to air their concerns, opinions as well as their proposals.

Therefore, it argued, “there was ample time and occasions during which the Xewkija Local Council had the opportunity to vent its concerns and those of its residents.”

The Gozo Tourism Association went on to say that it believes “all Gozitans irrespective of their political creed, support initiatives that enhance and augment the connectivity between Malta and Gozo.”

In this respect, it added, “all Gozitan politicians should back this alternative mode of inter-island connectivity. It cannot be us Gozitans that deprive our Island and its inhabitants from benefitting from the facility of the airlink.”

The Gozo Tourism Association concluded by calling on the political class “to end any political bickering where air connectivity to the Island region of Gozo is concerned.”

Photo GTA: Skyward passenger plane