At a press conference in front of the Gozo General Hospital on Saturday, Nationalist Party Leader Alex Borg announced a series of proposals for Gozo across healthcare, education, youth, infrastructure, culture, disability and connectivity.
”A new Nationalist Government will deliver A Fresh Breath for Gozo and the Gozitans, ensuring that Gozo is no longer treated as an afterthought and addressing the difficulties faced by Gozitans so that living or working in Gozo becomes an advantage rather than a disadvantage.”
This was stated this morning by PN Leader Alex Borg, when he outlined the plan of a new Nationalist Government for Gozo – ”a plan which includes, among other measures, the construction of a new general hospital long promised to Gozitans by the Labour Government but never delivered.”
The PN Leader addressed the challenge of accessibility, stating that Malta must develop a system that connects Gozo with the rest of the country in every sense, placing Gozo at the centre of national economic growth. He explained how Gozo continues to bear the burden of distance – a reality that results in families losing valuable time travelling, businesses facing higher costs, and young people feeling compelled to leave the island to fulfil their aspirations.
He said that ”through an integrated system combining efficient transport, digital solutions and a level of autonomy based on regional status, Gozo can begin to function as an integral part of the country. The aim is clear: that a person living in Gozo has the same access, quality and timeliness of services as someone living in Malta. Only then can Gozo move beyond the constraints of double insularity and become a region that attracts, creates and drives new opportunities not only for Gozitans but for the entire country.”
The PN Leader also announced a number of ”concrete proposals” – part of over 110 measures that the PN will include for Gozo in its electoral programme:
A new 400-bed hospital, to be planned immediately as part of a national network, with an investment of €350 million, equipped with the latest technology and standards of care, including a helipad near the Emergency Department
The Victoria Health Centre to operate 24 hours a day to better serve Gozitans
Establish Gozo as a true region through a Parliamentary Motion granting it this status permanently, enabling access to targeted European funds
A new fleet for Gozo Channel, including a passenger vessel and a cargo vessel, with the passenger vessel operational by 2029, fully accessible for persons with disabilities and equipped with calming rooms; the vessel Nikolaos to cease operations
Expansion of the M?arr Harbour, including adequate parking, following consultation with stakeholders, NGOs, businesses, tourist boat operators and fishermen, followed by improvements at ?irkewwa Harbour with investment in the South Quay and expanded parking, at a cost of €7 million
Improved port connectivity, including the reintroduction of cargo services to the Grand Harbour and the Malta Freeport within the first year, and upgrades to the vessel MV Gaudos with hoistable decks
A more efficient Fast Ferry service, with increased frequency, half-hourly services during peak hours, extended late-night services on weekends, and shuttle services during major events in Valletta
Public transport powered entirely by electricity, more accessible, more frequent, and reaching more Gozitan villages and the Gozo General Hospital
Construction of the Marsalforn breakwater – a long-promised project that has not been delivered
Implementation of 150km of arterial and residential roads over five years to address Gozo’s deteriorating road infrastructure, with residential roads identified by local councils
Creation of a €9 million Gozo Cultural Fund for theatres and cultural centres to upgrade facilities, support restoration, expansion and redevelopment, and attract higher-quality tourism, alongside free professional advisory services to help access EU funding
Increase in grants for Gozitan students studying in Malta to €400 per month to reflect rising rental costs and the cost of living
Establishment of a €2 million fund to modernise and build youth centres, creating spaces suited to today’s realities
Transformation of the University of Malta Gozo Campus to offer more courses, particularly in STEAM fields, build partnerships with the private sector, and attract conferences, research and academic initiatives, while ensuring continuity of lectures during adverse weather
Enhanced facilities for the disability sector in Gozo, including the extension of the school in Sannat to include a hydrotherapy pool and sensory open space within two years
Alex Borg concluded by stating that ”through these proposals, a Government led by him will ensure accessibility for Gozo in every sense – physical, political, digital, healthcare and educational. This is the Gozo of tomorrow, a Gozo with A Fresh Breath.”
Photo: PN