5 comments so far.Campaign launched to clean up the rural areas in Gozo
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The Ministry for Gozo, has launched a campaign to clean up rural areas of the island of Gozo. The work is being done along the routes of footpaths in the countryside which had been established some years ago by the Ministry in collaboration with the Gozo Tourism Association and the Malta Tourism Authority.
During a visit made to one of the sites being cleaned up, the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, explained how the it was needed to have these footpaths re-established, because damage had been incurred along these routes, due both to the effect of the natural elements as well as through acts vandalism.
The programme of cleaning of these walks include waste collection along with other materials such as builders waste, which had been improperly disposed of from construction sites in these areas. In addition work will be coordinated by the section of Public cleaning within the Ministry for Gozo, to ensure that these routes are kept in good condition once they are cleaned.
The areas to be covered by the programme of cleaning include those of San Blas Road to Nadur and Qala. Moving further across, the neighborhood of Ramla Valley and on the other side, the limits of Nadur and Xaghra. Areas on the western side of the island are also expected to be included, as they are an important aspect of the tourism industry of Gozo.
The Minister for Gozo explained how this programme is being coordinated by workers, with transport from the Ministry for Gozo. She expressed satisfaction for the way the work that had been carried out so far and underlined the importance of this initiative with regards to the work of the Ministry for Gozo linked to the eco-Gozo vision. The Minister concluded by condemning the acts of vandalism that had been reported by workers at these sites and explained the need for greater commitment and increased awareness towards the rural environment of the island by the general public.
Excellent to see the The Ministry for Gozo taking action to clear rubbish away well over due! The area around Hondoq ir-Rummien is very poor and is third world in standard.
Two points I question:
One, why do people dump rubbish on fantastic land and get away without being prosecuted.
Two, why do the council allow it to build up and then require a massive effort to clear.
PS. Its not tourists that fly tip and not people from Malta so who is it do you know?
Encouraging, but not enough. What is needed it the declaration of selected footpaths as public rights of way for walkers. The first step could be to see which footpaths actually lead to somewhere. Gozo has a collection of paths which are goat trails, field access and private lanes. The only signs to be seen are the occasional RTO. If a definitive map were to be produced it would help our visitors keep to the straight and narrow!
I agree with the comments from Martin and Roy Perry, on 23rd January.
I know of keen holiday-walkers who are put off by two things without which they might easily take their holidays in Gozo. Firstly, the lack of clearly marked footpaths ( & as Roy Perry observes, lack of usable detailed maps showing footpath locations). This would be a greatr Gozo Ministry project to creat a detailed map. The mapping on the old Survey Map of Gozo must be so out of date now anyway and it doesn’t show usable footpaths.
Secondly, the prevalence of bird “hunting”. In theory there are increasing controls placed on this activity. However, the reality is often different, as any reading ot The Maltla Times will show.
If one walks the cliffs at Seguna, Gozo, for example – irrespective of who owns this land – there are acts of total vandalism from hunters marking out emplacements, painting “Keep Out” obliterations over the local beauty along with dangerous steelwork buried into the natural stones at random. All ugly and detracting from anotherwise gem of a place.
More care should be taken – by owners, local poeple and visitors alike. Local and National Government agencies have a bigger part to play to care for Gozo’s visual treasures.
And yes, litter is a problem. Two ideas on this – first education in schools from Primary age onwards to involve children in an understanding that they can improve and safeguard their own environment. Get them out clearing beaches or beauty spots. This is both enjoyable and productive group work for young people. Second, a “Zero Tolerance!” approach from local enforcement authorities. Impose fines.
Sadly, this whole island is in a mess. I don’t think the bulldozer will be very kind to the wild narcissus and other wild flowers growing on the verges of the remains of the paths! It is no good having a ‘spring-clean’ once every ten years and then forgetting about it.
I have several colourful, informative booklets about walks in Gozo, going back to the first one purchased some 20 odd years ago. To date, neither I, nor any friends who have visited me here, have been able to complete any of the walks by following the directions and tips given. Either the paths mentioned exist only in the author’s mind, have not yet been marked, land up in a farmer’s field, simply disappear in the middle of nowhere or worse, lead to an occupied hunter’s hide.
Gozo is missing out on hundreds and hundreds of tourists a year due to lack of organized trails and paths! Europe is full of dedicated walkers who are prepared to pay good money to be able to explore different countries by foot!
I have a dear friend in Germany who leads a group of 10 – 20 walkers on a three week trip every year. These are not black-tie, 5-star casino tourists, but well off, upper income people who have a love of nature and the time and money to enjoy it. For example, last year they were in Cyprus, the year before in Madeira, the two years previously on two different Canary Islands. However, I wouldn’t even dream of suggesting to them that they come to Gozo as they would demand their money back due to lack of facilities!
We complain about lack of tourists, but it is our own fault as most of us have no respect for the countryside or the environment and really do not appreciate what we have here.
The Ministry for Gozo and the Tourist Authorities should wake up!
@ Martin
From what I have been noticing lately Hondoq was left the way it is where the quarry was so people would say it is a derelict place .
This will help the developers that want to ruin that area and fill up their pockets at the expence of Joe citizen .