Moviment Zghazagh Partit Nazzjonalista Gozo in a statement today condemned the comments [1] made recently by the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for sport, Stefan Buontempo, when he said that a public swimming pool was “probably not viable in Gozo due to the costs it would incur in relation to the amount of people that would be using it.”
MZPN Gozo said that this news was a blow to Gozitans of all ages, who for whatever reason, be it sport, pleasure, for theraputic use, need the use of a public heated indoor pool.
MZPN pointed out that in February 2012 just a few days before the local council elections of that year, at a press conference [2] held in Gozo, Labour Leader Dr Joseph Muscat and Perit Clint Camilleri gave details about a project for the abandoned desalination plant at Hondoq. Saying that “the proposed project recommends that the plant should be dismantled, and replaced with recreational facilities, including a swimming pool.”
“Gozitan youths and athletes are being treated as second-class citizens, access to a heated indoor swimming pool should be available on the island,” MZPN Gozo stated.
MZPN Gozo said that during the meeting Dr Buontempo had also mentioned “the possibility of a pool in the north of Malta which would be at least be viable for Gozitans to use, along with possible subsidies for Gozitans to be able to make good use of the pool.”
However, MZPN said, this suggestion would mean that those who wish to use it will still have cross to the channel to make use of the facility.
MZPN Gozo said that with regards to “facilities to address social needs, such as a heated indoor swimming pool, considerations should not be just financial, otherwise Gozo will not be going forwards as promised, but indeed would be falling back.”
MZPN Gozo said that it therefore calls for the Parliamentary Sectretary to consider the decision in the context of the realities of the Island of Gozo, in the social context, in the responsibilities of Government and ultimately, in the context of pre-election promises on the basis of which the Labour Party won the election.
7 Comments To "MZPN Gozo condemns u-turn on Gozo swmiming pool proposal"
#1 Comment By James A. Tyrrell On January 19, 2014 @ 1:14 pm
I agree with MZPN Gozo that a public heated pool should be provided for the people of Gozo. Not everyone feels comfortable swimming in the sea and because of that many people especially the elderly are missing out on one of the best forms of exercise. School children especially should have a safe environment in which to learn to swim.
As for the abandoned desalination plant at Hondoq this would be a non starter in my opinion. A public swimming pool should be centrally located to be of benefit to as many people as possible and therefore should be in the vicinity of Victoria.
#2 Comment By Peter On January 20, 2014 @ 6:27 pm
Mr Tyrell I agree with you 100%
#3 Comment By Mick Cundy On January 20, 2014 @ 3:17 am
A public pool is essential, people need to learn to swim in safety before they go into the sea. Also consideration should be given to those with disabilities, who would gain great improvements if there was a pool they could use.
#4 Comment By mickh911 On January 20, 2014 @ 8:54 am
their is land behind the main school in Victoria by the downdown hotel,even on xewkija industrial estate, build one their not only for public use but for the school kids to be tought to swim which considering we are a small island i would have thought was a essential item on the curriculum
when i was a kid the school took us to the swimming baths every week and i lived 100 miles from the sea,
isn’t school about learning things that will be essential in life ?
#5 Comment By George Palmer On January 20, 2014 @ 10:31 am
Typical politics. Make a promise, win the election then break the promise. What more can we expect?
#6 Comment By Mick Cundy On January 20, 2014 @ 11:41 am
I don’t think any promises were made. The comments are full of ‘possibilities’ and probabilities’.
I can’t see anything specific so this may still be an option of it can be shown to be financially viable.
#7 Comment By Anthoney On February 4, 2014 @ 8:01 pm
Perit Clint Camilleri gave details HOH he has been giving details for quite some time now and what happened??? I leave it all up to you