“The main objectives of the work of the Ministry for Gozo are primarily concentrated on continuing to always offer a better quality of life on the island.” This was said by the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, when she was addressing a news conference during which a statement was given explaining the work of the Ministry in it’s third year. The Minister explained how the commitment of the Ministry for Gozo during the past year resulted in projects that had improved services and the infrastructure for the benefit of locals as well as the foreign visitors who visited each year.

The third year of work in Gozo was characterised by the inauguration of two major projects that significantly improved services in their respective fields. These were the inauguration of both the boys secondary school and the new Radiology Department at the Gozo Hospital..

Besides this the Ministry for Gozo continued to perform various projects co-financed by European funds and through which ensures that Gozo is allocated 10% of funds from countries bordering the European Union for use on the Social and Economic Development of the island. This work includes among other projects which:

upgrade the skills and abilities of Gozitan workers thereby reducing the negative effects on the labour market;

provide new health services of the highest quality;

continue to strengthen the participation of children and young Gozitans in several educational programmes with their peers in other European countries;

promoting cultural and educational exchanges between Gozitan and other European localities through which it will also promote the Gozitan identity;

increasingly improve the environments on the island by building a strong road infrastructure and through structural improvements and recreational spaces for families;

several Gozitan residents and establishments are participating in schemes offering financial assistance in carrying out improvements in their establishments and services offering to adopt systems of alternative energy as well as other environmental initiatives.

The Minister explained how the administration of the Ministry for Gozo is “better positioned to meet future challenges. The establishment of the directorate for Eco-Gozo and Regional Development, will facilitate the work related to the plan of action for eco-Gozo while the new directorate for Tourism and Economic Development, will address the more direct promotion of Gozo as a distinct destination.”

The Minister continued giving details of major projects undertaken during this past year and also spoke about projects that have already started or will start during the weeks and months ahead.

Education

The inauguration of a new secondary school for boys marked the completion of a project with an investment of € 8 milion to help children and young students in Gozo. From this year, 750 students havve the opportunity to attend spacious classrooms, laboratories equipped with modern equipment including electronic and technical equipment that are expanding the learning opportunities and skills that students are able to achieve. During this year work will be finalised associated with the school, including parking for 240 cars. The Minister stated that despite the heavy investments made in the new school, the Ministry has continued other work to improve facilities in all schools in Gozo.

Health

The project of establishing a new Department of Radiology at the Hospital in Gozo, improving the services previously offered. The CT scanning equipment is one of the most powerful modern services offered, which will also reduce the pressure on the Mater Dei hospital. Gozitan women are now able to fully participate in the National Breast Screening Programme. Both of these services were previously only available at Mater Dei.

The Minister said that the project of the Department of Radiology is part of a larger project that incorporates the restructuring of the second operation theatre at the hospital. Work on this has began and the theatre is expected to be completed before the end of this year. Servies in the hospital will continue to be strengthened through restructuring in the dental services area and tiling of the hospital corridors.

The health sector in Gozo also benefited from an investment of around € 1.5 million. The computer system has been enhanced to allow results obtained by digital equipment in the hospital in Gozo to be read at Mater Dei Hospital and vice versa. Further work is still ongoing to allow accessibility on test results from laboratories in both hospitals and the referral of consultants for specific tests.

The Pharmacy of you Choice Scheme was also started which is benefiting about 8000 persons in Gozo.

Infrastructure

The Minister also mentioned how during the third year the work was consolidated on the building of new roads which will continue to strengthen the infrastructure in Gozo. The final stage of works was now underway on the roads to Ta ‘Pinu, Xlendi and Dwejra and the Ramla is now complete. Works on the road from Mgarr to Xewkija and then Xewkija to Victoria wukk continue. Followed by Francis Portelli Street in San Lawrenz.

By the end of the year it is also expected that the completion of the rehabilitation of the Villa Rundle gardens will take place.

Meanwhile work will start in the area known as ”Zewwieqa Waterfront’ making it welcoming for everyone who arrives in Gozo.

Tourism and heritage

The Minister explained about the attention the Citadel had received over the period. The third year of work saw the finalisation of the masterplan on the Citadel. This is a valid tool that will also guide the use and management of this site which has priceless historical value to Gozo. The Minister explained how in the coming months the process will continue which must lead to the implementation of some of the proposals suggested by this study. Among the key interventions is the change of the old water reservoir visitor centre which will be equipped with modern audio visual devices, the landscaping of the Cathedral Square, as well as restoring the facades of buildings that are owned by the Government. Meanwhile the work of restoring the walls is ongoing with an investment of € 7 million.

Plans were also in hand to establish a walking route around the coast of Gozo. A Heritage Trail will be set up in Xaghra that would include historic sites such as Ggantija.

In conclusion the Minister said, “We can say that the third year of operations was another year adding several links to the chain and building on what had previously been achieved, while laying the foundations for what is planned in the years ahead.'”

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