Gozitan Local Councils benefitting from EU Funds, will be embarking on a number of projects and initiatives. Amongst others, these include the setting up of a Folklore Museum, the development of parks and restoration of various historical sites.

MEUSAC has supported and assisted 5 Gozitan Local Councils which, together, have benefitted from € 2.3 million under EU’s Rural Development Policy – Actions 313 and 320. Qala, Sannat, San Lawrenz, Gharb and Munxar are the localities which will benefit from such Funds. Amongst others, the projects include the development of two recreational parks and the establishment of a Folklore Museum. Restoration works include the restoration of two chapels, a militia cross, an old bridge, as well as, a number of rubble walls. Besides the restoration works a number of essential amenities will also be built for the use of visitors. Furthermore, it is also planned to set up several heritage trails.

Details about these projects were given during a Press Conference held at ‘Gnien il- Kunsill’ at Qala. This Press Conference was addressed by the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Local Councils, Dr. Chris Said and Dr. Vanni Xuereb, Head of MEUSAC. The mayors of the 5 Gozitan localities which have benefitted from these EU Funds, through the assistance and support offered by MEUSAC, also attended this Press Conference.

The Parliamentary Secretary highlighted that, during the past months MEUSAC’s assistance was instrumental in assisting nine Local Councils of Maltese localities and five of Gozitan localities to benefit from millions of Euro of EU funds under the ERDF Priority Axis 2 – Promoting Sustainable Localities aimed at improving the core of urban localities.

All these projects will, as spin-off, create employment in the areas of cultural tourism, agro-tourism and cultural tourism. Localities which have benefitted from such Funds will steer them to support sustainable development. The ultimate aim of such restoration and embellishment works is to attract more tourists and visitors to these villages.

The Parliamentary Secretary also noted that Local Councils are, with the support, assistance and advice offered by MEUSAC, are the largest beneficiaries of EU Funds. During the past 30 months MEUSAC has assisted several local councils, which, together have received a total of € 7.5 million EU Funds. In real terms, 33 Local Councils, out of which 8 are Local Councils of Gozitan localities, are implementing a total of 55 different projects.

Dr. Xuereb noted that Local Councils of Gozitan Localities are on the forefront in seeking the benefits and opportunities of EU Funds. Dr. Xuereb thanked the staff of the Funding Unit at MEUSAC, which assists local councils in acquiring and benefitting from EU Funds. He also thanked the staff at MEUSAC’s Gozo Office.

The five projects of Gozitan Local Councils which, with MEUSAC’S support, will benefit from EU Funds under the Rural Development Policy are :

QALA – A recreational park will be developed and a Folklore Museum will be set up. This Museum will house exhibitions of works of art and traditional craft. A heritage trail encompassing six historical sites will also be developed. A number of rubble walls in this village will also undergo restoration, thus retaining the rural environment of this village.

SANNAT – A substantial investment will be made in the development of a recreational park. The principal aim of this Park will be to promote traditional agricultural and other trades as well as the rural heritage of this village. This Project which will be known as ‘Tal- Bidwi’ aims to improve the touristic attractions more attractive and interesting thus making a tourist’s visit to Sannat more interesting and worthwhile. Another objective is to embellish the areas known as Ta’ Saguna, the cliffs at Bardan and the area known as Ta’ Cnus. Part of the Recreational Park will be developed as a ‘Picnic Area’ which will also offer several facilities including, amongst other, Wi-Fi. This Park will form part of a Heritage Trail encompassing six sites considered to be tourist attractions.

DWEJRA (A NATURA 2000 Site – Which forms part of the village of San Lawrenz the project will, amongst others, improve the facilities for ‘bird watchers.’ The main square will be embellished and the adjoining alleys will undergo restoration works. ‘INFO POINTS’ for visitors will also be set up. This project is considered to be complementary to the restoration works (which works have also benefitted from EU Funds) being undertaken on the facade of the parish church dedicated to St. Lawrence.

GHARB – Five important sites namely the Chapel of San Dimitri, the Chapel taz- Zejt, tad- Dejma Cross in the Square of the Visit of Our Lady, the bridge in Ta’ Sdieri Str. and a number of rubble walls.

Another Heritage Trail will be set up at MUNXAR. This trail will join the village core with a number of pathways and the nearby countryside, which is known for its beauty. Sign posts and street furniture are also planned. A ‘virtual tour’ will be used to promote various sites in this area. An in-depth study of the restoration of the Xlendi Windmill will also be undertaken. Finally, restoration works will also be carried out on the rubble walls at Ta’ Sanap.

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