The Ministry for Gozo has made a presentation to 18 people who, during 2009, have carried out restoration works on wind powered water pumps on their land. This work was related to a scheme launched by the Ministry for Gozo as an initiative for the eco-Gozo vision in May 2009. The aid granted represents 75% of the costs associated with the purchase of equipment and work connected with the rehabilitation of the machinery and structure.

The scheme was financed by the Ministry for Gozo and co-ordinated by the Department for Projects and Development within the same Ministry. Eligible applicants had to be residents of Gozo who either owned property which is used for agricultural/agri-tourism purposes, or registered farmers whose land is registered under IACS, where such systems are installed. Applicants, who were selected were entitled for a financial subsidy covering 75% of the costs related to the purchase of equipment and/or labour required to render the system operational, up to a maximum of €1000.

During the presentation of the awards, the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, explained how this was one of the first initiatives taken by the Ministry for Gozo in respect of making it an ecological island. The Minister explained that the agricultural sector is of environmental relevance because it reflected that the rural environment is typical of the island.

Minister Debono thanked all those who applied for this scheme through which the wind powered water pumps were restored, some of which were in a bad state of conservation. The scheme gives an example of the traditional practice of these pumps as alternative energy sources for agricultural use.

Minister Debono also expressed the intention of the Ministry for Gozo to re-launch similar schemes in this regard.

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